By Yosef Rosenfield on behalf Features Staff
Each month, the YU Observer aims to highlight some of the YU undergraduate students who have written articles for us. For the February edition, the YU Observer is highlighting Matthew Shilat.
Name: Matthew Shilat
College: YC
Major: Political Science
Year: Senior, fourth year on campus
Where are you for the COVID-19 pandemic? With Whom?: In my Flatbush apartment with my new wife.
Currently reading: “Through an Opaque Lens” by Rabbi Hayyim Angel
Currently watching: “The Boys” on my own, rewatching “Psych” with my wife
Currently listening to: “Change On The Rise” by Avi Kaplan
Favorite way to social distance with friends: Chatting through WhatsApp, tagging others in posts and meeting up to hang out … socially distanced, of course.
Any cool things you’ve done/hobbies you’ve picked up over the COVID-19 pandemic?: Traveling with my new wife and learning diverse new things in my spare time.
What do you miss most about your pre-COVID-19 life?: Seeing my friends more often, museums and restaurants being open, and learning with my havruta [Torah study partner].
What is your favorite thing about YU?: The environment has nurtured my Jewish growth, and the connections have led me to a deeper understanding of Judaism and a richer, fuller life with my amazing friends.
What’s a quote/thought/or piece of advice you have for your fellow students?: “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God.” — Ann Frank
Read his past articles here:
https://yuobserver.org/2020/10/crisis-and-hope-event-voices-through-the-ages/
https://yuobserver.org/2020/12/crisis-and-hope-yu-voices-repairing-the-rift/