J-Aggie of the WEEK!

Jewish Aggie of the Week presents Sophie Pervere from Plano, Texas

Sophie is a Mechanical Engineering Major with a biomedical engineering minor. Class of 2020.  "I chose this degree because I have always been interested with the way that parts are able to come together to make a whole." Sophie plans to pursue a career in the medical device industry, specifically prosthetics.

Favorite Jewish food? Falafel with hummus.

Sophie went to Israel with Chabad at Texas A&M this past winter break."Rabbi Yossi always made each day memorable with his jokes, insights, and the Modeh Ani where we all got to share what we were thankful for." 

"The most incredible part of the experience was being able to talk with the Israeli soldiers on our trip to learn more about life in Israel, which allowed me to develop a deeper understanding as well as what it is like to be a local."

Jewish Aggie of the Week presents Jessica Pasquale from Carrollton Texas.

Jessica is an Allied Health major class of 2019.  Jessica plans to go to nursing school after she graduates.

Jessica received her Aggie ring today.

"The thing I love most about being an Aggie is the community. I like that you can go anywhere, see an Aggie, and you automatically have a friend. It’s almost like the Jewish community in that way."

Jessica has one older brother named Marc. He is an AEPi brother at UNT.

Jessica likes matzo ball soup. "My favorite Jewish activity is Lunch and Learn/Pizza and Parsha because the pizza is delicious and I get to spend an hour every week learning with a few people in a very relaxed environment."

In her spare time Jessica likes to teach herself new random hobbies. Last year she taught herself how to crochet. This year she has been working on teaching herself Hebrew.

Jewish Aggie of the Week presents Samantha Mallen, from College Station, Texas.

Samantha is freshman majoring in Interdisciplinary studies with the goal of being a Child Psychologist. 

Samantha loves Matzah Ball soup! Went on Birthright with Chabad at Texas A&M this past winter. 

"I love being an Aggie because of the strong community and loving friends. Especially my Jewish Aggie family."

In her spare time Samantha like to hang out at Chabad and spend time with friends. 

Jewish Aggie of the Week Presents Sarah Horwitz, from Bellaire, Texas.

Sarah is currently pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science and hopes to pursue a Masters in Health Administration in the future.

I would have to say my favorite Jewish food is sweet noodle koogle. It's just so delicious! As for Israel,

Sarah traveled to Israel her senior year of high school with march of the Living. "It was inspiring when we traveled from Poland, where I witnessed the remnants of concentration camps and ghettos, to Israel, a flourishing state for the Jewish people! That to me demonstrated incomparable strength and resilience."

Sarah served as Vice President of Operations, President, and now Vice President of Social Standards of AEPhi. In 2017, under her presidency, AEPhi at Texas A&M University was chartered.

"Chabad has always been there to help me with whatever I need. Whether it's a bowl of matzah ball soup or co-hosting Pink Shabbat with AEPhi, Rabbi and Manya help create such a warm Jewish community for myself and other Jewish Aggies."

Jewish Aggie of the Week presents Shayna Ambers '21 from Frisco Texas. 

Shayna is a freshman English Major. "I would like to teach high school AP Language and/or Literature. but more importantly, I am THE loudest and THE proudest member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2021!" 

Shayna has a 16-year-old sister named Shoshana.

"My favorite Jewish food is Latkes with applesauce (and I also love black and white cookies, but I don't know if those count as a Jewish food)."

In her spare time, Shayna likes to read, write, choreograph dances, and fly trapeze!

Jewish Aggie of the Week presents Benjamin Aryeh Kaplan '21 from Alexandria, Louisiana. 

Benjamin is an Animal Science Major in Squadron 20 in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. "I chose Animal Science because my family maintains a small herd of cattle and it is something that really interests me. This major also allows me to study something interesting while simultaneously completing the prerequisites for medical school".

"What I like most about Texas A&M University, though it may sound cliché, I would say the traditions. The sense of unity that our many traditions offer is truly something you cannot find on any other college campus. In college, it is very easy to slip into an isolated state of selfishness. Traditions like Silver Taps, Muster, and the 12th Man make you pause, take a step back, and appreciate your surroundings."

Benjamin has two older sisters Leah and Shira.

"My favorite Jewish memory is leading synagogue with my dad and having Shabbat dinner with my family every Friday."

When Benjamin is at home, he finds it really relaxing to be outside and get work done around his family's farm.

Benjamin is an active member of the Chabad student board at Texas A&M University. 

Jewish Aggie of the Week presents Katie Resnick from Dallas, Texas

Katie is a psychology major, "I chose psychology because I really enjoyed it in high school. I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do after college, so I pursued a degree in psychology because it is applicable to many careers."

Katie has a younger sister named Cammy who is a sophomore at Kansas. #RockChalkJewHawk.

Katie chose Texas A&M for three major reasons: 1) I loved the traditions 2) Everyone was so friendly and nice 3) We had a great Equestrian Team

Katie's favorite Jewish food is noodle kugel! "Manya makes such good kugel!"

"I have so many favorite Jewish memories, but if I had to pick, I would say that it's every Friday Night Shabbat Dinner at Chabad. Every week I look forward to Friday, being able to spend time with my best friends/the Jewish Aggie Family, eating delicious food, and farbrengen all night - I could not think of a more joyous occasion filled with so much love."

Katie went to Israel on Birthright with Chabad during Winter 2015. "The most moving experience I had was visiting Yad Vashem. It was a difficult experience, but one that everyone should go to if they can."  

What I love most about being a Jewish Aggie is being a part of the Jewish Aggie Family. We are such a strong, tight knit community, and every Friday Night Shabbat feels like a huge family reunion. There is so much love and I am so grateful for this community that Manya, Rabbi, and the kids have brought together and I absolutely love Girl's Dessert and Discussion. The dessert is delicious, but the conversation is even better.

If you asked anyone in the Jewish Community, what Katie like to do in her spare time they would be able to answer it in less than one second - that is how close our community is! :P "In my spare time I love to ride horses!!"

Andrew Kraut is from Calabasas, California, a small suburb outside of Los Angeles. Andrew has a younger sister named Rachel back home who is sixteen and a junior in high school.

Andrew is an active member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, Sqaudron 3 and is currently majoring in general Engineering but by the end of the semester he hopes to be admitted into Aerospace Engineering because "I love air planes and learning about how they fly." 

Andrew's favorite Jewish food is his great grandmas homemade kugel. Andrew had the opportunity to make make his great grandmas's kugel for after Yom Kippur, Break-the-Fast after at Chabad for everyone to enjoy.

"I think it’s important to be involved in Jewish life because it is a part of who we are and if all we do is try to avoid it then we will divide ourselves mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and we will lose such a loving community that is our Judaism."

Jenna is from Dallas, Texas, the youngest of three siblings. Jenna has two older brothers, Jared and Justin who graduated from Texas A&M in 2017. 

Jenna has been to Israel three times, the most recent was this past May while on the "March of the Living" trip where she visited Poland, then Israel. "One of the most memorable experiences was being there on Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut. It was really incredible watching the entire city transition from mourning the loss of those who died serving Israel to celebrating in the streets for Independence day." Jenna Related.

"I love being an Aggie, I love all of the traditions, the school spirit, and the friendly community."

Jenna is an active member of AEPhi, Texas A&M's only Jewish sorority.

"Jenna is warm and loving and we love having her as part of our extended family".  -Manya 

   Jewish Aggie of the Week Presents

Meet Max Maldonado from San Antonio, Texas

Max is a Environmental Geosciences major. "I chose to pursue this major, because I love the outdoors and nature and I wanted to learn more about it and how I can help preserve it."

"I chose Texas A&M because there wasn't anywhere else I really wanted to go. I have never met anybody who was unhappy that they went to A&M."

Max has been to Israel twice. The first time was with Chabad's Mayanot Birthright and the second time was with Chabad's Mayanot Onward Summer Internship. "The most moving an inspirational experience was just getting the opportunity to wake up everyday in one of the central hubs of Jerusalem and walking to the Western Wall."

Max is graduating this week and we will miss having him at Chabad and in Aggieland! 

  Jewish Aggie of the Week Presents

Meet Joshua Daniel Hirsh from El Paso, Texas.

Josh has an older brother, Michael age 24, who is in law school at Texas Tech. Josh also has an older sister, Alexus age 26, who is a practicing attorney in Phoenix, Arizona. She is recently married to an Attorney.

"If I had one super power it would be super intelligence. Super intelligence would allow me to artificially create the other super powers for myself. Why limit myself to one when I have the ability to create them all for myself. Furthermore, knowledge is power, knowledge is wit, and why not give myself the opportunity to tell better jokes."

Josh is the former President of Sigma Alpha Mu - aka The "Sammys" and also the President of the Chabad Jewish Student Board. Josh has been active in Chabad since his freshman year. Josh is also a fellow of the Sinai Scholar Society. 

Plans after Graduation?: "Ever since I was in the second grade I have dreamt of becoming a surgeon. Ideally I will attend medical school immediately after graduation. If I am unable to attend medical school, I am planning on working towards a master’s degree in microbiology, followed by another attempt at getting into medical school."

We wish Josh much success as he graduates Texas A&M University this December.

  Jewish Aggie of the Week Presents 

Meet Alexander Jay Caplan. Alex was born was born in Houston, Texas.

Alex was born into the Aggie family. "I am a third generation Aggie. My grandfather, father, sister and brother have all attended and graduated from A&M. The traditions and the overall friendliness of the campus make it that much sweeter attending Texas A&M"

Alex is AgBusiness Major. "I really like economics and also like business. My major focuses on both and can lead to many different career paths."

"My favorite food? My favorite food is pizza. I love pizza."

 Jewish Aggie of the Week Presents 
 

What is your name?
Stephanie Tsyss

Where are you from?
Austin, Texas

Where did you go to high school?
Anderson High School

Why did you choose Texas A&M?
I enjoyed the friendly people, the great engineering program, and the awesome Jewish community.

What was your major and why did you decide to pursue such a degree?
Biological and Agricultural Engineering. Texas A&M has one of the best programs in the country. I get to use engineering principles to help people in a very practical and tangible way- clean water, clean energy sources, better food processing and storage.

What is your favorite book?
Harry Potter!

What do you look forward to when coming to Chabad?
Catching up with friends, eating yummy kosher food, learning about Judaism, seeing Rabbi Yossi and Manya and the kids

What do you love about Jewish life on campus?
I love how friendly and supportive everyone has been. I have met some of my best friends at Chabad.

Why do you think it is important to be involved in Jewish life?
It’s important to give to yourself by learning about your own identity, which only empower you to be a better and more well rounded individual

If you had a dream list for Chabad, what would be on it?
The new kitchen, new addition, complete with study rooms and a mikvah and an apartment for Shlomie.

Do you plan on going to graduate school at A&M?
Currently that is not the plan.

Do you have any siblings?
Two sisters, I'm in the middle

What is your favorite Jewish food?
Manya’s chicken soup

What is your favorite food?
Burgers or any grilled kosher meat

What is your favorite Chabad experience until now?
Kosher cooking club with my friends

Have you ever traveled outside of the United States?
I've been to canada, mexico, and to Israel. My favorite was definitely israel.

Have you ever been to Israel? If so, what was the most inspirational experience you had?  
Yes I’ve been there twice. So many moving experiences. Going to the Kotel on Shavuot with thousands of other Jewish people is at the top.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
Anywhere as long as I’m with people I care about.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
I like hiking and swimming in the Texas Hill Country

How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I enjoy cooking, helping out at chabad, photography, driving, hiking, and playing with animals.

What is at the top of your bucket list?
Visit the national parks in the American and Canadian rockies

If you could start university again what would you do differently?
If I changed anything I doubt I would be the same person I am today.

Do you have any animals? What is their best trick?
My family in austin has 2 cats and 1 chicken. The chicken is good at laying eggs. The cats are good at chasing the red laser and catching mice.

Did you prefer living on campus or off campus? What would you recommend to freshmen?
I have only lived off campus. I would recommend living off campus close to where most of your classes are.

If you could have one wish for anything in the world what would it be?
I wish everyone could have access to clean water and a steady food source and the world has an endless supply of sustainable energy.

Do you have a message for future A&M students?
Focus on school, study hard, learn about yourself and challenge yourself.

What has been your most enjoyable class?
I took Tai Chi for my Kinesiology class, it was something new and different.

If you were able to have one superpower what would it be?
It would be cool to somehow travel faster from one place to another.

What would enhance Jewish life on campus?
Friends bringing friends to Jewish events.

How did you get involved with Chabad?
I met the Lazaroff family when I was in High School and I visited college station with my family when Chabad received a new torah and had a big party to celebrate. I fell in love with Chabad and College Station that day.

Do you have plans for after graduation?
I need to find a job and I would really like to travel more.