Hometown: Queens, New York
Class Year: 2019
Major: Business Finance
Chabad President
Sinai Scholars Fellow
Who is currently your biggest role model? My dad. He shows me how nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it.
If you could tell yourself one important piece of advice coming into college, what would that be? Put in the work to get good grades, and take as many classes as you can in the beginning, don't wait for the end. Get involved in an internship or job surrounding your field of interest to gain experience.
You are a very active member of Chabad on campus, and you are the current President; can you tell us what inspired you to get this involved with Chabad? My first impressions of Chabad were truly a gift of warmth and family where everyone cares about each other and encourages personal growth. I wanted to spread the gift to everyone around me and help Chabad help every Jewish student grow!
How would you describe the atmosphere of a Shabbat dinner at Chabad? Totally filled with amazing energy radiating from everyone around the Shabbat dinner table as well as amazing food. There is never a time where I am not either meeting someone or catching up with a good friend.
Highlight some of your favorite moments of the NYC Shabbaton’s you have been on. Shabbaton is Chabad on steroids. It is a completely thrilling experience filled with warmth and hospitality by EVERYONE. During the Havdalah Ceremony (Concluding the Shabbat), everyone gathers together, and there is just a huge flame of energy filled in this room with 1300 students from all around the world. I can’t even begin to talk about how many close friends I have met on the Shabbatons.
Give us two reasons why every Jewish student should participate in Sinai Scholars, like you did. Sinai Scholars takes your Jewish knowledge and understanding to another level. We dug deeper into our Judaism and explored the fundamentals behind our practice through open discussion and very entertaining classes that truly helped me understand more about the “why” behind Judaism.
Why would you encourage Jewish students on campus to participate in Chabad events? Chabad events are the best social opportunities for new students arriving to campus, and a great way to just spend time and hangout with good friends. The Rabbi and Nechami are unbelievably warm and caring for each and every student on campus. Don’t let me get started on the food that is served at every event!!
What is your favorite Jewish holiday or tradition?
Simchat Torah! No better time to celebrate the the Torah and Jewish pride!
What would you say is the key to success?
The key to success is simple: Hard work, persistence and dedication will get you to any destination. You have to want be successful as much as you want to breathe, and work to make that happen. Never give up and work hard!
What is a transformative experience that you have had at Chabad?
I started keeping Shabbat which has its difficulties but I truly love it and hope to keep it close throughout my life.
What are some of your plans for after you graduate?
My plans are to get involved with Real Estate Development. I hope to make contributions to this world that will make a big difference.
Tell us how has your leadership role at Chabad helped you become a better person? Being the president of the Chabad, and being by the side of the Rabbi and Nechami, have truly shaped my leadership skills. By working on different events and programs, I have learned how to be more efficient and organized when conducting meetings and delegating. This is something that I know I will be able to take with me throughout my life.
Favorite Jewish Food?
Chanukah is around the corner. I love me some Sufganiyot! (Those super soft jelly filled donuts)