Jewish Owl of the Week

Name: Eli Rickles  

Jewish Name: Eliyahu Chaim

Hometown: Alpharetta

Graduation Year: Spring 2022  

Major: Band Music Education

Who is currently your biggest role model?

No one person. Plenty of people inspire me in different ways. Maybe even you if you are reading this :). 

Can you share 5 fun facts about yourself? 

Left-handed

Classical Trumpet Player

Was a redhead with freckles as a kid

I toured a Kibbutz in my sleep, including somehow taking the stairs

I was involved in the Macy’s Parade my senior year of high school. Marched in the parade.

Are you named after someone? If so, who? 

I’m named after my great-grandmother, Eva. 

What is your favorite thing about KSU?    

The community, relaxed vibe. Love the commons, and the modern facilities. 

Can you tell us something that others would be surprised to learn about you?

I am self-taught in Modern Hebrew!

If you could start college all over again, what would you do differently?

I would probably look for better ways to solve conflict. Another thing is that I would not compare myself to others. 

One thing you would change at Kennesaw? Why?

More parking spaces for students. If you’re a student with a car on campus, you know why. 

What advice can you share with the freshmen?

Don’t take on more than you can handle and choose your friends wisely. Don’t do anything you’ll regret in the future. 

What has been your proudest achievement to date at KSU?.

No one achievement stands out, mainly just all the performing I’ve gotten to do. 

What does a day in your everyday life look like?

Wake up at 7 or 7:30am, get some practice in on my trumpet, go to class, eat, practice more, go to class and at around 6pm I go home and relax. 

What does Chabad on Campus mean to you?      

It’s kinship, tradition, a common heritage, a group of people I can rely on, and a place where I can feel comfortable expressing my Jewish identity.

Why should Jewish students get involved with Chabad?  

To connect with their fellow Jews and Judaism. I would not be the same person I am now without Chabad on campus. I am a more spiritual and optimistic person because of it.       

Best Chabad memory? Why?  

Some of my favorite memories are of spending Saturdays with the Rabbi Zalman, Nechami and the kids, they share their personal family time and make me feel part of their family. We have great discussions and I get to better understand what being a Jew means.

What's your proudest Jewish moment?  Why?

Wrapping Tefillin every morning. It has helped me connect with my Judaism in a way that is hard to describe. Thank you to the Chabad on Campus International Tefillin Bank for helping me obtain a my Tefillin.

Most meaningful thing you’ve ever done?

Going to Israel as a child. Although at 10 years old I didn’t fully appreciate it, as I have gotten older I have realized the positive effect it has had on my life. 

Favorite Jewish food?   

Tie between lox and babka, also shawarma

Full Name: Sarah Koplin
Hometown: Macon GA
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: International Business

What are 5 words you would use to describe yourself?

Loud, Social, Positive, Friendly, Energetic

Can you share an interesting fact about yourself that would surprise your friends?

I love watching documentaries.

If you could start college all over again, what would you do differently? 

I would have started getting to know my professors and classmates earlier. Having a good relationship with teachers and classmates is so important, especially in a big lecture-based class.

What is your favorite childhood memory? 

I think it would be going to camp each summer and gaining so much from it each year.

When you’re not studying or on campus, what can you be found doing?

I enjoy hiking and being with my friends.

What is your favorite thing about KSU?

My favorite thing about Kennesaw is the small-campus feel this school has. I enjoy seeing familiar faces on campus each day.

Where is your favorite place that you have traveled to, and why?

South Africa because there are so many beautiful aspects to the country and I love how welcoming the locals are.

Best Chabad memory? Why

Shabbat 100 is my favorite memory so far because the energy at the event was unmatched. I loved seeing everyone get so excited for the events and reach out to their friends and family to bring over 100 people together for a wonderful night.

What advice do you have for the freshmen?

Get involved early– don’t wait for someone to reach out to you about taking a leadership role, ask how you can help.

What is one of your favorite Jewish traditions or holidays? 

Spending Rosh Hashanah with my family each year.

How would you describe Chabad in 1 sentence? 

Chabad is an ever-changing family that will welcome anyone in with open arms.

What do you expect to be doing ten years from now? 

Hopefully doing a job I love.

Favorite Jewish Food? 

Shakshuka

Full Name: Amanda Rose  

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Class Year: Junior

Major: I’m transferring to Augusta University to complete a Bachelor of Science program in dental hygiene.

How would you describe yourself to someone who does not know you? I’m passionate, caring and creative. I enjoy learning. When I have a goal in mind, I work diligently to achieve it. I care deeply about others and especially adore animals. Although I’m quiet, I love to laugh and have fun!

If you could start college all over again, what would you do differently? I wouldn’t rush into choosing a major. As a freshman, I wasn’t fully aware of what I wanted to do. As a result of changing my major, my expected graduation was delayed by a year. 

What is your favorite childhood memory? Driving to Pittsburgh every winter break was an extremely special time. The annual trip was a great opportunity for me to bond with my extended family. It allowed me really get to know my cousins and grandparents. Plus, I was able to play in the snow, eat great food, go to special parks, and watch Penguins hockey. On the drive back to Atlanta, my family always stopped at the same hotel where we celebrated New Year’s Eve with fireworks, my dad’s homemade chocolate pretzel, and sparkling drinks.

 If you’re not studying or on campus, what are you doing? I’m likely teaching cooking classes at Young Chef’s Academy, exercising, taking pictures, or hanging out with friends and family.

Can you tell us your dream job? I would love to be a dental hygienist and inspire people to share healthy, confident smiles. I also wish to continue to grow my social media and become an influencer. Creating looks with special effects makeup is a hobby, and I’d love to turn this skill into a side job.

Where is your favorite place that you have traveled to, and why? I’d narrow it down to Amsterdam or Canada. I love both places equally because everyone seemed super friendly. Both areas are beautiful and have great weather. Amsterdam has a lot of important Jewish history, including the Anne Frank House. As a bonus, it is easy to find foods cooked with fresh ingredients in both areas. 

What has been your favorite event with Chabad this year? I really enjoyed Sinai Scholars because I was able to become closer to the rabbi and his wife. The program allowed me to form connections to other Jewish people at Kennesaw. Of course, I also learned a lot.

What is one of your favorite Jewish traditions or holidays? I really enjoy Passover because friends and family come from out of town to celebrate the holiday with us!

Why would you encourage Jewish students to get involved with Chabad? Initially, I was intimidated to come to Chabad events, but I’m really glad that I gave it a try. I’ve met so many nice people. The events are creative, and learning is fun.

Favorite Jewish Food? Bagels and lox! 

Full Name: Avery Green

Hometown: Cumming, Georgia

Class Year: 2022

Major: Marketing

Can you tell me your favorite part about KSU thus far? My favorite part of college has been being in AEPi, and meeting and growing close with all of the brothers.

What do you find the most difficult aspect of being a college student? The hardest part of college has been using my time in the most effective way.

You are a brother of Alpha Epsilon Pi; tell us what your fraternity means to you.  I think being in Alpha Epsilon Pi has broadened my view on being Jewish, from growing up without it, to now having a group of other Jews who are similar to me. It really helped me adapt to college and become a better man.

If you’re not in class, what else are you doing? Tell us some of your favorite hobbies or activities. I love to grill and smoke barbecue. Also, I enjoy watching Netflix.

What was your first Chabad event? What was your first impression of the organization? My first Chabad event was the Welcome Back sushi event, and I was extremely impressed by how many different Jews were there. I was immediately brought in and treated like family.

If you could change or upgrade anything about Kennesaw State University, what would that be and why? I would add more options for classes, so there will not be any challenges with getting the classes you need.

What is one of your favorite Jewish traditions or holidays?  My favorite Jewish holiday is Hanukkah, because I enjoy getting together with friends and family and making and eating latkes.

Why would you encourage other Jewish students to get involved with Chabad? Chabad is super helpful to meet a lot of your closest friends.

Who is your Jewish hero and why?  I think my father is my Jewish hero, because he showed me how to grow up the right way.

Favorite Jewish Food? Bagels with lox! 

Full Name: Tal Hershkovitz 

Hometown: Lilburn, GA

Class Year: 2022

Major: Nursing

Where are you from and how did you end up in Kennesaw? 

I honestly don't even know where to say that I'm from, ha-ha. I was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but when I was about four I moved to Israel. I moved back to Florida, and then to Georgia when I was thirteen. When someone asks me, I usually say that I'm from Florida because that's where I grew up, but I'm Israeli as well.

What is a fun fact about you?

I actually graduated high school early. Not many people know, but I started college at 16 so I'm still a baby. It's funny because when I meet people and they realize I'm younger, they all react differently. Some laugh, some are really surprised!

If you could start college all over again, what would you do differently?

I would definitely go to Chabad the first chance that I could. I waited to go for some reason, and I thought I didn't really want to. But now that I'm way more involved, I can see what I've been missing out on. If I could, I would go back in time to attend every event.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

It would have to be going out after Shabbat dinner to the playground with my step-sister in Israel, and playing until the street lights went on. We would plan what time to go to the playground, and tell our friends so we would meet up and hang out all night. Looking back, I totally miss those days, and thinking of that memory makes my heart genuinely happy. 

How has going to college affected your life?  

I have definitely opened up more. In high school I just stuck to my group of friends and got really nervous when I had to socialize with others- it was really out of my comfort zone. Now, I'm the friend who is more likely to talk to strangers. I've become really good at putting myself out there and going to places or events where I don't necessarily know anyone. I can wholeheartedly say that I've become more outgoing and extroverted.

You regularly attend Thursday night Kosher Cooking Club with Nechami. How is that experience?

I started attending a couple months back, and it's one of my favorite things to do in Chabad. Basically, a bunch of girls come to help Nechami cook for Shabbat dinner. We go over the menu, which is my favorite part. My friend Jamie and I chop and braid challah together. It’s funny - challah braiding has become a fun competition between us. The experience is honestly therapeutic, because we talk about our week together. Catching up with friends is one of the highlights of cooking club.

What has been your favorite event with Chabad recently and why?

I really liked Family Shabbat. It gave me such a home feeling and made me feel like I was with my family enjoying Shabbat. I usually don't see my family every week because I work, so when my mom agreed to come, I was so happy. I feel like Family Shabbat made other students who can't see their family often feel the same.

What is one of your favorite Jewish traditions or holidays?

I have to go with Shabbat. Everything about it just lights up my mood. When I lived at home, I always helped my mom cook and set the table, which would be my favorite. The moment of having everyone together at one table with no phones or distractions is my favorite tradition. Shabbat is something I look forward to all week! 

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

They don't know that they're missing! I used to think that being friends with other Jewish students wasn't vital for my college experience, but that is completely not true. Going to Chabad gives you a home away from home! Truthfully, there have been many times where Rabbi or Nechami gave me advice on things I've been struggling with. Also, being around the religion and culture genuinely makes college better. You can seem to lose yourself when you're on your own, and keeping one thing constant, like practicing religion, gives me some sort of clarity. Chabad is a group of people that I can always rely on no matter what happens. We all have one thing in common that brings us together, and it is genuinely a beautiful thing. 

Favorite Jewish Food?

I love hummus. When I go to Israel, I eat hummus like I’ve never had it before. I feel like it’s also my favorite because I have such positive memories tied to it.

Full Name: Noah Medwed

Hometown: Roswell, GA

Class Year: 2022

Major: Construction Management

Are you named after someone? If so, who? I am named after Chaim and Henoch, who are my grandmothers' fathers.

What are some of your hobbies outside of school?

My favorite thing to do is watch Georgia football. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends as often as I can.

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

I would tell myself to work on time management skills. That is something that is not taught in high school and can be very useful in a college setting.

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

I've been to the Masters Golf Tournament twice! 

Where do you spend most of your time on campus?

I spend most of my time on campus either in my dorm room, or eating in the commons. My favorite place on campus is definitely the commons.

You are a brother of AEPi here at KSU, tell us your favorite aspect of being in this fraternity?

My favorite aspect is being in a fraternity where all of the brothers understand and value what it means to be Jewish. If I had joined a different fraternity, they would not understand some of the things I do since Judaism is so different from other religions.

What was your first impression of the Jewish community here at Kennesaw?

I was very impressed with the Jewish community here. I wasn't expecting so many people to be at Shabbat dinner. I also didn't think that I would go to Shabbat as often as I do, but it's such a great time every time I attend so I always go back.

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

I would encourage other Jewish students to get involved with Chabad first because it’s an amazing place, but also because it’s a way to meet other Jewish students at Kennesaw and make friends that will last forever.

Who is your favorite Jewish person and why?

My favorite Jew is my mom. She is the reason I am Jewish in the first place, so I have to appreciate that I grew up Jewish. I'm happy that she sent me to Epstein, because I'm still very close with the friends that I made there, and I will always have her to thank for that.

What is your favorite Jewish food?

My favorite Jewish food is my grandmother’s chicken soup she makes when my family goes to my grandparents' house for Shabbat. It's what I look forward to every time we go there for dinner, and it brightens my day. 

Full Name:  Emily Pollack  

Hometown: Alpharetta

Class Year: Sophomore

Major: Psychology and Dance

Tell us some of your favorite things to do outside of school? I love to hang out with friends, go to the mall, or watch movies.

If you could do it again, would you still come to KSU? I would still go to KSU because the campus is so pretty, and the Commons are awesome!

How would you describe yourself to someone who does not know you? I am a super out-going and motivated person. 

Tell us about your Greek life experience. What made you want to join? Being in Greek Life has been one of the most rewarding parts of college! I love being able to bond with people and boost my leadership skills. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why? I really want to travel to Greece! I have always wanted to go there, because I’d love to try authentic Greek food and explore the culture.

What is one of your favorite Jewish traditions or holidays? I like to celebrate Rosh Hashanah because we get to eat apples and honey. My whole family gets together and has dinner, and it’s nice to see them.

What do you want to do after college? After KSU, I want to get my doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Why would you encourage Jewish students to get involved with Chabad? I would encourage students to get involved with Chabad because the environment is so welcoming. Whether it is your first event, or you go to everything, you never feel like you don’t belong! Also, Shabbat dinners are an awesome way to meet and connect with other Jewish students!

Favorite Jewish Food? Challah obviously!

Full Name: Stephen William Cohen

Hometown: Marietta, GA

Class Year: 2022

Major: Biomedical Engineering 

Since starting at KSU last semester, what has been your favorite part of college?  Meeting so many new friends.

What are some of your hobbies or favorite activities to do outside of class?  I love playing on the club baseball team for KSU.  I also like to play intramural basketball.

What inspired you to be a part of Chabad Board? Tell us about your experience.  I really wanted to work with Rabbi Zalman again, because he was my Bar Mitzvah teacher and I wanted to help make our events as enjoyable and special as possible.

How would you describe yourself to someone who does not know you? Fun, caring, compassionate, and a great guy.

Who is somebody you look up to and why? My dad.  He has taught me so many life lessons: to give good advice, and to be an excellent coach and leader.

What have been some of your favorite Chabad events? Simchat Torah and Sushi Night!

What is your dream job? Surgeon

What advice would you give to other Jewish students who want to get involved? Go and I guarantee you will not regret it.

How would you describe Chabad Shabbat dinner to someone who has never attended?  A great time to hang out and forget about a stressful week.  It is something I always look forward to!

Favorite Jewish Food? Falafel!

Full Name: Stephanie Birnbaum

Hometown: Marietta

Class Year: Junior

Major: Public Relations

You recently visited Israel on Birthright. Tell us your favorite part about your trip.

I went on Birthright over winter break, and there were so many amazing things. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be getting to experience Shabbat at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

If you could give incoming freshman college advice, what would that be?

Go to class and do your homework. Also it is possible to eat well and live in a dorm. You don’t need to survive on ramen.

What was your first impression of Chabad here at KSU?

I came to Shabbat dinner one night as a freshman, and I was amazed by the community.

When you aren’t in class, what are you doing?

During the summer, you’ll probably find me at a Braves game. Otherwise, I’m with my friends running around Atlanta or at various concerts.

What is one of your favorite Jewish traditions/holiday?   

Passover is my favorite holiday, easily. My family hosts Seder every year, and I love having my entire family around.

You are a big part of Kosher Cooking Club at Chabad. Tell us what a Thursday night preparing for Shabbat looks like?

It’s a lot of fun. I started going to Kosher cooking club my freshman year. I have not only learned how to braid challah, but made some awesome memories.

Why do you think other Jewish students should get involved with Chabad?

Chabad is a place where you can always find someone like you. Everyone has a different Jewish story, but having everyone come together on a Friday night is amazing. 

Where do see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully running promo and public relations for a professional sports team!

Favorite Jewish Food?

Koogle, hands down. 

Full Name: Joseph Chaim Tarab

Hometown: Sandy Springs, GA

Class Year: 2018

Major: Psychology

Since starting at KSU last semester, what has been your favorite part of college so far? Wow, starting off tough! I would say that my favorite part of college so far is all the new, wonderful people I have met. Coming to Kennesaw, I knew almost nobody (excluding a few from high school), but now I’ve got some really awesome people in my life who I have shared some special moments with, and hopefully many more!

What are some of your favorite spots to hangout or study on campus? “Hangout” can be taken out of that question because I seriously only study. Nonetheless, I love going to Prillaman Hall or the quiet floor of the library when it comes to where I like to study. When it’s warm outside, there is this nice, semi-quiet spot in Kennesaw Hall where I go sometimes to read a book or just continue to study.

Tell us about your experience as a Chabad Board member. What inspired you to join? Getting involved with Chabad early and putting myself out there was one of the best decisions I have made since coming to Kennesaw, so to become even more involved as an active board member is something that I cherish dearly.  

When you aren’t in class, what are you doing? When I’m not in class, I’m probably studying (my friends can back that up). That being said, I’ve recently started going to the gym which is something I have made part of my routine. Almost 100% of the time you can find me in the Commons after a workout, eating my heart away. I also do a lot with the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity where I am a brother, as well as stay active in the Chabad organization.

You have attended Shabbat almost every week since coming to KSU. What keeps you coming back? You would think that as a board member, it’s my obligation to attend Shabbat. However, I go back every week not because I’m obligated to, but because I want to. I enjoy the experience immensely every single time. From the food, to the songs, to the people I get to meet, Friday nights are a special experience I love being a part of.

What advice would you give to other Jewish students who want to get involved? My advice would be to just go to one event. Just one. At Chabad, people are friendly and are always down to make a new friend. If you go to one event, I guarantee you’ll make one new friend and probably even more. Life is about going out and doing things you aren’t normally comfortable doing. That’s the only way to meet new people and more importantly, grow as a person. That’s what happened for me, so I don’t see why it can’t happen for you.

What is one of your favorite Jewish traditions/holidays? I’m going to go with Shabbat. Although it is a holiday that occurs every week, it never loses its significance. As long as I’m around, you know I’ll be at Shabbat dinner. 

Favorite Jewish Food? Okay, this is easily the hardest question. I haven’t had it in a while, but my dad makes some killer Shakshuka, so I’d definitely have to say that. That’s not to say that Shawarma isn’t good either. Also, Pita Grille in Sandy Springs makes a pretty darn good Laffa.

Hometown: Suwanee, GA

Class Year: 2020

Major: Media Entertainment

What do you consider to be your spirit animal and why? Dory from “Finding Nemo” is my spirit animal. “Just keep swimming” is basically how I’ve started living my life. The places you go and the people you meet are part of your life for a reason. The more you keep swimming, the more people you will meet and the more places you will go!

What is your favorite part of KSU? Getting to experience being on a college campus! I lived at home my first two years of college, and a part of me felt like I was missing out on the real college experience. I am so thankful that KSU has been able to give me that!

You have been involved with Chabad since you started here at KSU. Tell us how this organization has impacted your college career? When I moved to Kennesaw, I didn’t have a single friend. It was something I was really nervous about. I moved to a new place and started a new school without knowing anyone. On the very first day of classes, Chabad was hosting a welcome back sushi lunch on campus. As soon as I walked into that room I felt so welcomed, and I felt like I had found my place. Now I am at Chabad multiple times a week and I have met so many friends through this amazing organization!

You are a big traveler; tell us about some of the destinations that you have visited. I have visited Israel, Greece, and many islands in the Caribbean. I also had layovers in France and Italy…can we count those?!

What is one of your favorite Jewish traditions/holiday? I would say Shabbat on Friday night is my favorite Jewish tradition! All week I look forward to spending time with my friends at Chabad. Shabbat to me is about friends, good food, and looking forward to a day of rest!

If you could visit anywhere in the world right now, where would that be and why? Right now, I would choose Japan! All of my friends know that sushi is my favorite food, and it is on my bucket list to eat authentic sushi made in Japan.

Tell us about your experience on Thursday nights at Kosher Cooking Club. What motivates you to come each week? I started helping Nechami cook for Shabbat back in August. I have always loved cooking and I actually find it very soothing. Cooking is an art for me and it’s always exciting to see what can be created next. I love spending time with Nechami and helping her plan meals, and just getting to hang out with her in the kitchen. I am finally mastering the art of challah braiding!

Favorite Jewish Food? Definitely homemade potato latkes!  

Hometown: Alpharetta, GA

Class Year: 2022

Major: Sports Management

Can you tell us an interesting fact about you that people would be surprised to know? I am a very outgoing person who likes to be loud and active.

What do you find the most difficult aspect of being a college student compared to a high-school student? What I find most difficult is the difference in class sizes. At KSU, I have some classes with over 50 people. 

What do you like most about KSU? I obviously love the commons, because I love food. I also like that it isn’t a huge school, but also not a tiny school. For example, it doesn’t take long for me to walk from my dorm to my class or one class to another. Also, the professors and people I have met have been amazing.

If you’re not in classes, what are you doing? Tell us some of your favorite hobbies/activities. I am usually in my room doing work or playing PS4. I also go play basketball, go eat at the commons or the student center with my friends.

If you could pick any place in the world to travel to, where would that be and why?  If I had to pick any place to travel to it would be South Africa, because my dad is from there. He lived there for 11 years, and it would be cool to see where he grew up.

You are a brother of AEPi, so what has been your favorite aspect of being in a Jewish fraternity? My favorite aspect is that I have people that support me. I can trust them and they can trust me. Another thing I love is that I’m with people that I have something in common with: being Jewish. I also can now say I have “brothers”, because I only have an older sister as a sibling.

You are involved with Chabad on campus. What was your first impression of the organization? To be honest, I was worried. I never went to Chabad in Atlanta. When I walked in and met Rabbi, I was pleasantly surprised. The environment was nothing like I expected! It was so chill. I also wasn’t expecting a big Jewish population at KSU, but I was wrong. Seeing so many Jews in one house made me more comfortable. In fact, I usually go every Friday night to Shabbat dinner. Also, this semester I am doing a program called Sinai Scholars, which has been so much fun. 

If you could change or upgrade anything about KSU, what would it be and why? If I had to change or upgrade one thing at Kennesaw, it would be more restaurants on campus. I know there are a lot of restaurants around campus, but it would be easier if they were on campus so students don’t have to waste gas.

Why would you encourage other Jewish students to get involved with Chabad? If you're Jewish and don’t come to Chabad events, you shouldn’t be shy and just come to them! They are so much fun and you meet so many great people. Rabbi is one of the nicest, coolest guys I have ever met. It is a great time to be with people that are like you. I love going to Chabad events.

What is your favorite Jewish food? My favorite Jewish food would probably be Matzah ball soup or Kugel. Most people would say falafel, but I can’t stand falafel.