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.