By Gabriella Gomperts, Features Editor
Despite being a STEM major, Zohar Ben-Simon is passionate about the arts, specifically music, theater and painting. The YU freshman at Stern College for Women is majoring in pre-engineering and began writing for the YU Observer this year. She was born in Israel but has lived in North Florida her whole life.
What does writing mean to you?
Writing allows me to take time for myself and gives me an outlet to discuss [the topics] I am interested in. I always loved writing when I was younger and even enjoyed writing assigned essays. Since the beginning of high school, I knew I wanted to be a part of a newspaper in college, so I could write and still feel like it was a valuable part of the community.
What do you hope to accomplish with writing?
I hope to engage students about the things going on around them, whether in the scientific field or social scene. I believe students want to be involved in news but don’t always have the time to research it themselves; writing allows me to give these students an outlet that allows them to learn and keep up with their surroundings in an easily accessible way.
What’s your favorite class you have taken at YU and why?
My favorite class I have taken at YU is Kashrut with Rabbi Goldberg. It teaches me the intricacies of Kashrut and exposes me to the traditions of so many other cultures. I have kept kosher my whole life, but never knew the meaning behind anything that I was doing. Kashrut lets me put more meaning into the choices I make everyday, rather than doing them carelessly.
Why did you choose to attend Yeshiva University?
I chose to attend so I could learn more about my Judaism, as well as be able to live in an environment where I could be comfortable keeping Shabbat and kosher.
What did you do this past summer?
This past summer I worked at my family’s restaurant Gili’s Kitchen. I also used as much of my free time as I could with my friends and family, soaking in the last of my hometown.
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
The most adventurous thing I have done in my life is drive down to the Florida Keys with my friends for four days before starting college. I have always enjoyed keeping close to home, so although it was a planned trip, going on an eight hour road trip to an unfamiliar place was way out of my comfort zone and felt daring.
Which article that you’ve written are you most proud of?
I have only written one article, which I am very proud of. I wrote about the Mechina program and the need for inclusivity in YU. I’m glad I have the outlet to share my experience and I hope students can relate to my article and want to make YU a more inclusive environment.
Photo Caption: Zohar Ben Simon in Manhattan during the first few weeks of school
Photo Credit: Zohar Ben Simon