JFAMs 2009-2010

The following bios are of the 2009/2010 JFAMs (Jewish First-Year Advisory Mentors). These individuals have volunteered to help incoming students acclimate both to Duke as well as to Jewish life on campus. Though incoming first-year students will be matched with an upperclassman JFAM by common interest areas, please feel free to contact anyone on this list if you have questions about Duke in general, Duke’s Jewish community, or anything else for that matter. If you are an incoming student and want to ensure that you will have a JFAM, please e-mail Blair Hedges, the Jewish Life at Duke Student Leadership Coordinator.

Dori Abel

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From: Ardmore, PA (outside of Philadelphia)
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Global Health, pre-med
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Duke has a fun, spirited community and great school spirit.  It is also an excellent university.  These were all qualities I was looking for in a school.  Plus, the weather is much warmer down south!
My Advice for Incoming Students: Get involved in a few activities, but not too many because you want to be able to be active in those that you are involved in.  Make sure to manage your time well between your social life and academic work.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Its ability to bring the Jewish students at Duke together, despite the smaller Jewish population.
Why I am a JFAM: I think it will be fun to meet some incoming freshman and to help them adjust to college life.
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Pre-med, Roadrunners club, Operation Smile Club (Treasurer), Prospective Health Partnership
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Soccer, Track, Lacrosse, Student Government, Interact Club (community service club), HI-Q team, USY

Mike Arndt

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From: Pleasanton, California (SF Bay area)
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Biology Major and a Global Health Certificate
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: I originally thought I was going to go into Biomedical Engineering
My Advice for Incoming Students: Be flexible about your interests.  Resist the temptation to settle for a “cookie-cutter” career, sure people expect you to be a doctor or a lawyer.  Decide for yourself what you want to be, and don’t be afraid to change your mind.  College is all about defining and then redefining our role in the world.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: I appreciate the fact that your level of involvement is totally dependent on your own personal interest.  You have such a great ability to impact the Jewish community here. If you have a great idea, don’t be afraid to pursue it, because taking that initiative pays off.  The freeman center is receptive to and supportive of your ideas.  
Why I am a JFAM: I’ve enjoyed participating in the JFAM program in the past, and I like helping Jewish freshmen get accustomed to life at Duke, both within and outside of the Jewish community.
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: A smile ☺/
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: WISER, Men’s Water Polo, Global Health.
High School Extracurricular Involvement: NFTY, year-round swimming, water polo, Temple youth group.
 

 

 

Jessica Baron

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From: Charleston, SC
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Public Policy and Art History, Pre-Dental
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Close to home, good academics, good weather
My Advice for Incoming Students: get better advising
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Free mhe
Why I am a JFAM: I like to mentor students
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: Lots of coat hangers. I wish that I had brought tailgate clothes
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Community Chair of Pre-Dental Soicety, RA, ADPi
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Tennis, USY, art, science
 

Daniel Benzecry

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From: Manaus, AM, Brazil
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Economics and Political Science
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Duke is one of the few schools in the world that offers great academics and a great social life. Sports, parties and books are always together at Duke!
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: There is a place for everyone here. It is impossible to don’t feel a little bit closer to home by going to  Freeman Center.
Why I am a JFAM: I want to give back all the attention I received during my freshman year.
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: AEPi and Tennis
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Tennis team, Student Government, HS Radio, Honor Group

Elana Berger

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From: Livingston, NJ
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Public Policy and Spanish
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Great academics, beautiful campus, great school spirit, and I really liked the people when I came for Blue Devil Days.
My Advice for Incoming Students: Get Involve with Jewish Life @ Duke- it’s a great way to meet people from all years who weren’t in your Freshman Dorm.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Shabbat Dinners
Why I am a JFAM: I like being involved in the Jewish Community and want to encourage others to be involved.
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: bring lots of fans
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Chi Omega, Duke Symphony Orchestra
High School Extracurricular Involvement: USY, Art Classes, Music (regional/ all state symphonies, pit orchestra, etc.)

William Brody

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From: Greenville, NC Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Economics
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: It’s a great school, close to home, and I love the sports.
My Advice for Incoming Students: Meet as many people as you can, stay on top of your work, and go out to as many things as possible.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: The Freeman Center Food is delicious. But on a more serious note, the people are exceptionally friendly and it’s always great to be around them.
Why I am a JFAM: I would like to help out a new student get acclimated to Duke.
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: A stapler
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: AEPi, Former Randolph House Council
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Golf, intramural football, student government.

 

 

Hannah Chartoff

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From: Fairfax, VA
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Political Science (International Relations)
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: I love the people and school spirit! Aka Basketball!

My Advice for Incoming Students: Try lots of things- even if you have no experience with them.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: relaxed atmosphere
Why I am a JFAM: Because I love Jewish Life at Duke and meeting new people.
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: Crazy costumes/ not just regular clothes- for Halloween, theme parties, tailgate, etc.
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Duke Friends of Israel, Southgate House Council.
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Synchronized swimming, class council, USY

 

 

Liz Cobb

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From: Newton, MA
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Civil Engineering
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: I thought it was the only school that had the right mix of academics, athletics, spirit, weather, and size.
My Advice for Incoming Students: Try not to be overwhelmed by everything in the beginning. Have fun, and office hours are really helpful.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: I love going to Shabbat Dinners.
Why I am a JFAM: I want to help new students get used to Duke and help answer any questions they might have. One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: Enough hangers
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Alpha Phi, ASCE (secretary)
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Volleyball, Tennis, Theatre, Community Service, Student Council, Science of Engineering Club, SADD
 

 

 

Rebecca Dell

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From: New York, NY
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Political Science, Pre-Law
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: nice weather, good academics, school spirit
My Advice for Incoming Students: be excited
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Shabbat
Why I am a JFAM: I want to get freshman involved in Hillel
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: Fans!
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Duke Swim, MUN, Political Science
High School Extracurricular Involvement: MUN, Student Government, Soccer, Basketball, Newspaper.

 

 

 

Aaron Dmiszewicki

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From: Raleigh, NC
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Political Science/ Latin/ Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Certificate
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Great academics, great basketballs
My Advice for Incoming Students: Don’t get too attached to any one idea before you get here. College is too big of an experience to limit yourself before you even get here.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: It’s diversity. Also Mr. Henry’s cookies
Why I am a JFAM: Because I’m required to. Also, as a FAC, I’m big into freshman outreach. It’s important to make freshmen feel comfortable when they get to campus.
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: If you don’t live in Blackwell, Randolph, or Bell Tower, I can’t stress enough how important it is to bring fans.  In the plural.
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Hillel Student Board, FAC
High School Extracurricular Involvement: United Synagogue Youth

 

 

 

Marissa Gittelman

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From: North Miami Beach, Florida (Aventura area)
Major(s)/Minor(s)/Academic Interest Area(s): Political Science and Psychology
Why did you choose to come to Duke?  
 I came to visit the weekend I got accepted and it was love at first sight!
What advice do you have for incoming students?  
 be open to new experiences and be excited for spending the next 4 years of your life here!
What is your favorite thing about Duke’s Jewish community? 
 its inclusiveness
Why are you a JFAM? Because I want to give the incoming freshmen a positive view of Jewish Life at Duke.
One thing I forgot to pack as a first-year that I wish I had brought:  rain boots and a rain coat
College Extracurricular/Cocurricular Involvement:
 
Duke Friends of Israel, DIPAC, Deja Blue and Best Buddies
 

 

 

Ryan Genkin

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From: Montvale, NJ
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Public Policy/ Sociology Minor, MMS Certificate
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: The great combination of athleticism and scholasticism
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: It is an inviting community- while promising solid values, they know how to have a good time.
Why I am a JFAM: Because I HEART Molly
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Executive Board of Duke Friends of Israel, Hillel Treasurer, LDOC Committee, The Chronicle Sports.
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Varsity Baseball, BBYP, Emergency Medical Technician.

 

 

Ben Goldenberg

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From: Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Economics, Ethics, Latin
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: I found that Duke was really a community.  Students are driven and passionate, but they want to do the best possible for themselves.  Students’ competition is self-driven – relationships with others will never suffer because of academics.  I also found and find that students are incredibly humble and friendly.
My Advice for Incoming Students: You will get as much out of Duke as you put in.  Take chances, experiment.  College offers an innumerable amount of opportunities.  Take advantage of as many as many as possible. 

My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: It is accessible and easy to participate in.  You do not need to fit any niche to get involved in Jewish life.  People from different friend groups and with different interests are united by the simply fact they are Jewish. 

Why I am a JFAM: I think it is important to create connections between Jewish students at Duke for the simple reasons that on the most basic level we can relate to other Jews in or similarities in upbringing and mores.  If ever I need something to fall back on I know the Jewish community is there for me.
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Programming Chair of Campus Council, tour guiding, contributing photographer to Latent Image, Sophomore Class Council 

High School Extracurricular Involvement: Managing editor of the yearbook, photo editor of the newspaper, varsity tennis, varsity squash, writing tutor.
 

Matt Greenberg

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From: New York, New York
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Psychology, Pre-med
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: The people
My Advice for Incoming Students: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things!
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Once again, the people
Why I am a JFAM: Because JFAM is an awesome program!
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: WXDU Sports, GoDuke radio (Baseball), IM flag football, volleyball, softball, Shadow at Duke Sports Medicine
High School Extracurricular Involvement: JV and Varsity Baseball, Arista, Student Union, Video Homeroom

 

 

Ruthie Greenfield

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From: Great Neck, NY
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Sociology, Global Health Certificate
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Both of my brothers went here and whenever I would come to visit them I loved the atmosphere and spirit of the school.
My Advice for Incoming Students: Take advantage of all the awesome events.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: The caring and supportive spirit
Why I am a JFAM: I want to help new freshmen get adjusted and experience Jewish Life here.
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: A sleeping bag
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: DUU Special Projects, Club Tennis
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Varsity Tennis, Model Congress, Editor of the Op/Ed Section of the Newspaper.

 

 

Risa Isard

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From: Phoenix, Arizona
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Program II, Markets and Management Studies
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Good school, Gorgeous Campus, liked the academic programs (Focus, certificates, etc), liked the community feeling and student diversity
My Advice for Incoming Students: Don’t expect to make your best friends on the first day…or even in the first month.  Finding your niche takes time, so be patient and keep putting yourself out there.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: It’s pluralistic
Why I am a JFAM: I want to make freshmen feel welcome to the Duke community as a whole and also the Jewish community.
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Women’s Basketball Manager, Club Ultimate Frisbee, Business Oriented Women, Leadership Roundtable, Focus,
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Cross Country (4 years), Track (5 Years), Soccer (2 years), Principal’s Advisory Committee (3 yeards), National Honor Society (2 years), Society of Women Scholars (3 years), Girls For a Change (4 years), Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research (4 years), BBYO (3 years)
 

 

 

Scott Gorlick

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From: Weston, FL
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Public Policy Major, Political Science Minor, Markets and Management Certificate
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: It’s a great school with warm weather and great basketball.
My Advice for Incoming Students: What you do on campus doesn’t add days to your life, but adds life to your days.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: It’s a very inclusive, tight-knit safe place where you can meet all types of interesting people.
Why I am a JFAM: I want to provide an introduction to Jewish Life @ Duke to first years.
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Jewish Life at Duke Student Board President, Inter Campus Council, Dean’s List, FAC, RA, Admissions Ambassador.
High School Extracurricular Involvement: NFTY, Roller Hockey, Debate, Model UN

 

 

 

 

Jason Klein

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From: Cherry Hill, NJ
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Biology/ Genome Science & Policy
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: great academics, athletics, weather
My Advice for Incoming Students: Expect to meet a lot of people in the first couple of weeks and just be involved.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Shabbat dinners are fun and you always see the same familiar faces.
Why I am a JFAM: I want to help freshmen acclimate to the Duke environment
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: sleeping bag
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Road Runners, Admission Ambassadors, 2009 IGSP Summer Fellow
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Varsity Cross Country, Track, Student Government, Model UN

 

 

 

Sam Klein

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From: Potomac, MD
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Mechanical Engineering Major, Music Minor
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: weather, sports
My Advice for Incoming Students: Try everything
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: We have this awesome building to hang out in.
Why I am a JFAM: I am a fan of FCJL
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: Bottled Water
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: AEPi, Speak of the Devil
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Student Government, Theater, Music

 

 

 

David Levine

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From: Holmdel, NJ
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Economics and Sociology
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Fan of Duke Basketball
My Advice for Incoming Students: Ask questions
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Henry’s Place
Why I am a JFAM: sounded fun
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: a fan
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Club Ultimate Frisbee, FAC Program
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Baseball Primetime (Television show), basketball, ultimate Frisbee
 

 

 

Kevin Lieberman

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From: Potomac, MD
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Mechanical Engineering
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: One of the reasons that I came to Duke was because of the engineering program here. All the engineers are really great people and Pratt gives you a lot of great opportunities. Also, living on East Campus really is an awesome experience. You make so many friends so quickly and you really get a feeling of community
My Advice for Incoming Students: Try something new. Duke gives you so many opportunities that you’ll never get to experience anywhere else
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Friday Night Dinners. It’s really nice to see your Jewish friends on Shabbat and see the rest of the Jewish community. There’s no pressure to go to services beforehand, and the food is free.
Why I am a JFAM: I want to help introduce students to Duke. I enjoy answering questions
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: sleeping bag
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Smart Home, Hoof ‘n’ Horn (Student run musical theater group), Hillel Student Board
High School Extracurricular Involvement: BBYO, High School Theater, Maccabi Swim Team, Student Government, Bar Mitzvah Tutor

 

 

 

Benny Maimon

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From: Westfield, NJ
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Biomedical Engineering/ Mechanical Engineering
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Good academics and fun
My Advice for Incoming Students: Get involved. It’s really easy and it will definitely improve your experience at Duke. You meet people and have the rare opportunity to work on whatever you want.
Why I am a JFAM: Because Molly said so
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: Battery Recharger
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement:  Duke Smart Home, Racquetball Club, Hillel Exec. Board
High School Extracurricular Involvement:  Cross Country, Tennis.
 

 

 

Jake Moroshek

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From: Minneapolis, MN
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Chemistry and Russian Majors
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Loved how pretty it was here
My Advice for Incoming Students: Don’t fall behind on homework
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: The friendly community and free food!
Why I am a JFAM: It’s a fun way to meet freshmen
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: a fan for the window
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Dean’s list
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Tennis, Chess, Math, Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad

 

 

Laura Newland

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From: Auburn, AL
Major(s)/Minor(s)/Academic Interest Area(s): Major: Economics Certificate:
Markets and Management Studies
Why did you choose to come to Duke? Duke has all the advantages of any Ivy
League school, but the students are less competitive with each other and the
weather is much better
What advice do you have for incoming students? Try to meet as many
people as you can at the start of freshmen year, because these will become some of your
closest friends throughout your entire four years at Duke
What is your favorite thing about Duke's Jewish community?  Duke's Jewish
community is incredibly welcoming, and very much like a family.
Why are you a JFAM? I want to make sure that incoming students learn just how
special of a place the Freeman Center is.
One thing I forgot to pack as a first-year that I wish I had brought:   Make sure you bring
one (or two) of those shoe-hanging things for your closet. They are not just
great for shoes, but serve as a wonderful and compact organizer!
College Extracurricular/Cocurricular Involvement: America Counts tutoring at local elementary school; Executive VP of Hillel Student Board, Study Abroad: Duke in Madrid and Duke in New York Financial Markets and Institutions
High school extracurricular involvement: Soccer, Volleyball, mock trial, math team, youth-in-government, International Baccalaureate, etc.
 

 

 

 

Jeremy Moskowitz

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From: Needham, MA
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: ICS: Middle East/ Political Science
My Advice for Incoming Students: Get involved in as much as you can and you will find your niche at Duke
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: It’s a smaller, tight knit group!
Why I am a JFAM: Wanted to stay involved with the Freeman Center and meet the incoming Freshmen.
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: Comfortable Slippers
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Facilities and Management Committee, President of Giles Dorm, Tour Guide, Duke International Relations Association
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Ski Team, MUN President

 

 

Brian Pike

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From: Long Island, NY
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Public Policy
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: The weather
My Advice for Incoming Students: Take classes in a bunch of different fields
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Free Food
Why I am a JFAM: Scott asked me to
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Community Service Center, Duke College Republicans, Connect 2 Politics, Sophomore Class Council
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Science Club, Math Team, Future Business Leaders of America, Mock Trial
 

 

 

Alaina Pleatman

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From: West Bloomfield, MI
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: BME, Modeling Biological Systems Certificate
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Everyone is so friendly, the campus is beautiful, strong academics, good Jewish Life
My Advice for Incoming Students: Be open and ready to meet a lot of people
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: I really enjoy going to Shabbat
Why I am a JFAM: I like helping out Freshmen
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: Make sure to bring at least 3 fans!
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Kol Kachol, Society of Women Engineers
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Golf, Musicals, BBYO

 

 

 

Adam Prince

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From: Bryn Mawr, PA
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Biology/Chemistry/Premed
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Great climate, fun people, awesome sports teams
My Advice for Incoming Students: To make sure they join clubs and get out to meet people
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Encourages involvement and allows people to take what they want (religiously) from it
Why I am a JFAM: I want to help new freshman get accustomed to Duke, through a program where we have a cultural identity in common
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: None. I’m a great packer
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Duke durham tennis program
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Tennis, crosscountry, world affairs, student council, newspaper, yearbook
 

 

 

Adam Sapper

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From: Boca Raton, FL
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Mechanical Engineering/ Spanish/ Energy and the Environment Certificate
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: I visited and loved it
My Advice for Incoming Students: Go to every tailgate- it’s awesome
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Shabbat
Why I am a JFAM: To help welcome the incoming Jewish people obviously
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: don’t bring a printer- it’s not necessary
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Club Tennis, Habitat for Humanity, Duke-Durham Tennis Project, AEPi
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Varsity Tennis, Community Service Board

 

 

Talia Saxe

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From: Charlotte, NC
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Philosophy
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Great couches in the Bryan Center and Locopops on the walkway! What more could one want?
My Advice for Incoming Students: In high school, you were striving to go to a good college. College can be overwhelming because your long term goal might not be as clear as it was in high school. Spend some time thinking about your goals, even if they turn out broad! And go to office hours!
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: The Cookies!
Why I am a JFAM: I want to meet new additions to the Jewish Community!
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Chabad, tutoring, BN Scholars
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Tutoring, IB student Council, BBYO, Young Judea
 

 

 

Caryn Schorr

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From: New York City
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Political Science, French, Early Childhood Education
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Good weather
My Advice for Incoming Students: Meet lots of people
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Free Food
Why I am a JFAM: Meet new Freshmen
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Alpha Phi, Panhellenic Executive Board
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Varsity Basketball, Student Government
 

 

 

Marni Siegel

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From: VA Beach
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Biology, Chemistry, Genetics
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: location, warm close to home, great academics, and athletics
My Advice for Incoming Students: If in a chemistry class, read before coming to class
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Social Activities, Latkes and Libations
Why I am a JFAM: I Loved my JFAMlets last year!
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: A bathing suit
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Club Tennis President, Intramural Soccer, Non-Profit (Discover Worlds), Chemistry Outreach
High School Extracurricular Involvement: USY, Soccer, Tennis, Chorus, Lots of Jewish Things

 

 

Rachel Silverman

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From: Los Angeles, CA
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Political Science, Ethics Certificate
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Great academics and awesome sports
My Advice for Incoming Students: Duke is stressful at first, but gets great- give it time
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: It’s very active and welcoming
Why I am a JFAM: To assist incoming Freshmen
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: lots and lots of fans
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Duke Friends of Israel, Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honor Society, Inferno (athletic organization)
High School Extracurricular Involvement: JV bball, student council, newspaper, community service

 

 

Kim Solow

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From: Los Angeles, California
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Theater, Film
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: I loved the “work hard, play harder” motto.  I’m here to work and go to school, but also to have a great time and make life long friends.
My Advice for Incoming Students: Try everything.  You may think you know what you want to go into (ie. premed), but there are so many career paths out there that I’m sure you have not considered, so try everything that Duke has to offer and maybe you’ll find something that suits you better.  And, if you don’t find something better, than at least you knew what was out there.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: My favorite thing about the Jewish community at Duke is how warm and welcoming it is.  We get little presents during every major holiday and flyers informing us about free food and dinners.  It is a great way to make new friends and it does not force Judaism upon anyone.  So, if you are not very religious (ie. me), you can still come and make friends and enjoy the free food.
Why I am a JFAM: I am a JFAM because Jewish life at Duke surprisingly became an important part of my freshman year experience and I think a lot people are unaware of how of it is more about building a community rather than strictly practicing Judaism.  I think the name “Jewish life” embodies my experience.
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: A fan
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Theater-stage managed Exit the King-Theater Department Show Spring 2009, ski team (club sport)-went to regional’s, Cable 13, I was on frosh council at the Freeman Center
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Ski Racing, Hillel, Theater, Math Tutor
 

 

 

Allie Sommer

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From: New Rochelle, NY
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Program II- Creative Writing
My Advice for Incoming Students: Sit with people you don’t know in the Marketplace and make new friends
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Lots of free food
Why I am a JFAM: Really liked my JFAM when I was a Freshman
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: Socks
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Zeta Tau Alpha (corresponding secretary), Duke University Graduate School (Assistant to the Dean)
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Varsity Lacrosse, Varsity Swimming, Varsity Math, NFTY Board at my Temple, Midnight Run (Community Service)

 

 

Rebecca Sommer

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From: Las Vegas, NV
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: English, Political Science, Cultural Anthropology
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Great Academics and a stellar English Department!
My Advice for Incoming Students: Get involved! You will make some very good friends in student organizations!
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: It has been what I can call home for the last three years; where I have met and continue to see my best friends and where I have chosen to get involved.
Why I am a JFAM: Because I want to help incoming freshman find a place at Duke
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Duke Debate, Formerly Hillel Student Board, SHARE, Chi Omega

 

 

Martin Steren

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From: Milwaukee, WI
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Mechanical Engineering, Certificates: Marine Science and Conservative Leadership
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: I liked the size of the school and the strength of athletic and academic programs
My Advice for Incoming Students: Read The Chronicle everyday to know about all the exciting opportunities available at Duke
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Free Shabbat Dinners
Why I am a JFAM: I want to make sure all the incoming Freshmen know how great Jewish Life @ Duke is.
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: A tool kit
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Hillel Student Board, Outing Club, Duke Robotics- AUV, ASME/AIAA, JFAM
High School Extracurricular Involvement: BBYO- WI region, Boy Scouts, Math Team, Science Team, Stage Crew

 

 

 

Zachary Tracer

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From: Rockville, MD
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: History Major, Russian Minor
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: Because it’s a great place
My Advice for Incoming Students: Come ready and excited to meet new people and have fun
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: The inclusiveness and openness
Why I am a JFAM: To help introduce new Jewish Students to Duke
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: A big fan
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: The Chronicle
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Cross Country, Track, Student Newspaper, BBYO

 

 

 

Rachel Van Wert

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From: Scotch Plains, NJ
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Public Policy, Political Science, Hebrew
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: I chose to come to Duke because of the academics and the feeling I got when I visited the campus. When I arrived on Blue Devil Days, I was struck by how happy all the students seemed. This proved to be true once I started talking to people. The student body is what ultimately convinced me to come – they seemed happy, involved, and passionate about what they were doing here and about the Duke community.
My Advice for Incoming Students: My advice for incoming students is to just come to Duke with an open mind. Everyone will tell you things about college, or about Duke specifically, both good and bad. Just come to campus ready to meet new people, try new things, and learn so much – and have your own experience!
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: My favorite thing about Duke’s Jewish community is how active it is. Jewish life has a hand in so many things – of course Shabbat and holidays, but also student life in general, the JFAM program, inter-cultural organizations, community service, and so much more. The Jewish community has been a part of my Duke life since before I arrived on campus, when I first was contacted by my JFAM. Since then, it has been an integral part of my Duke life.
Why I am a JFAM: I am a JFAM because our Jewish community here at Duke has been an important part of my Duke experience and I can’t wait to share it with incoming students. The Freeman Center was the palce where I met some of my best friends during orientation – friends that I continue to live with and talk to daily. My JFAM, a senior when I was a freshman, had a huge impact on my first year and inspired me to do the same. Just as she and I are still in touch (even though she has now graduated and is living in Israel!), I hope to connect with new Jewish students and share Duke with them.
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement:  Hillel Student Board, Partners for Youth, Peace or Pieces, Duke Democrats, Formerly a FAC
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Field hockey, Model UN, Honor Board, a science research student team, NFTY
 

 

 

 

Lauren Weinberger

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From: Shaker Height, OH
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Public Policy, Arabic, Hebrew
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: I visited Duke and loved it.  
My Advice for Incoming Students: Make the most of your four years here.  Take advantage of the amazing opportunities that exist at Duke.
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: Free dinner at the Freeman Center on Friday nights.  
Why I am a JFAM: I am a JFAM to help new members of Duke’s Jewish Community feel welcome.  
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: I am glad that I packed fans.  It was very hot in Southgate in August.   
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Brownstone, Progressive Health Partnership, Duke Women’s Rugby
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Cross Country, Debate Team, Model UN

 

 

 

Stephanie Weiss

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From: Ohio
Major/ Minor/ Academic Interests: Public Policy and Certificate in Markets and Management
Why I Chose to Come to Duke: The People! Everyone is very balanced and friendly
My Advice for Incoming Students: Enjoy the experience
My Favorite Thing About Duke’s Jewish Community: It’s like an extra family here at Duke
One Thing I Forgot to Pack as a First-Year and I Wish I Had Brought: Sleeping Bag
College Extracurricular/ Co Curricular Involvement: Hillel, Mi Gente
High School Extracurricular Involvement: Tennis, NHS, Student Council, Model
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