We Asked Y(O)U Answered: What Are Your Winter Break Plans?
With finals on everyone’s mind, we’re all counting down the days to the end of the semester. Unlike any other break during the school year, winter break brings a unique sense of freedom. For most, it’s a chance to leave behind the all too familiar school stresses of assignments and exams entirely. Whether it’s traveling to exciting destinations, taking an adventurous road trip or simply returning home to relax and reconnect with friends and family, everyone seems to have a plan to recharge for the upcoming semester. The Commentator asked students when their break officially starts and what their plan for winter break is.
Aden Lyons (YC ‘26)
My vacation officially starts Jan. 1. Because the stress of finals will be over then, for the first couple of days I’m going to enjoy the rest of Chanukah in NYC with my girlfriend Sofia. Then we’re going to head down to Florida together to spend some time with our families. To end off our break we’re heading to Disney World with my family. This will be my first real break since Pesach because of LSAT prep, school work and many other commitments. Now that I’ve finished, I’m genuinely looking forward to two stress free weeks to relax and spend quality time with the people I love.
Naomi Beck (SCW ‘26)
My vacation officially starts after my last final on Dec. 31. At 11:50 p.m. that night I will be headed to Israel! I am actually extending my vacation all the way to Jan. 20 to enjoy an extra weekend in Israel. This trip is a Birthright Onward all-women volunteering trip that is based in Yerushalayim. However, the volunteering opportunities range from all over Israel. After the first week, my seminary is running an alumni program which I will be attending. Finally, the last weekend I will God-willing be running (or probably walking) the Chai Lifeline race in Israel. I am really looking forward to being able to see my brother, who is currently in Israel, and reconnecting with the family I met in Israel while I was studying in seminary for the year. I also have a bunch of friends that I am excited to see, such as my roommate from Stern who made aliyah last year and camp friends!
Naomi Rose (SCW ‘25)
My vacation officially starts on Jan. 1 since my last take home final is due on Dec. 31. For the first half of winter break, until Jan. 7, I am on duty as an RA, so I will be in New York. I would love to do some New York touring and activities with my YU friends that are here, as well as catch up with friends from high school! I am excited to relax and recover from the semester, as it was definitely a tough one. I’m in a lot of difficult classes while also applying to law school, so I am definitely looking forward to having a break from all of it!
Eli Rubin (YC ‘26)
My last final is on Dec. 27, so I begin my break that afternoon. I have two weddings to attend, and I’d like to visit one of two biblical archeology exhibits that I’m interested in. With the remaining days, I plan to start studying for the LSAT.
Caleb Gitlitz (YC ‘25)
My vacation officially starts on Dec. 27, after my last final, which falls out on the second day of Chanukah (I’m not too happy that they scheduled a final on the Friday morning of Shabbat Chanukah, but I’m grateful to finish my finals early B”H). However, I’ll be working on my senior thesis at home in Baltimore, which is due on Dec. 31. I’m looking forward to spending time with my family, being able to dedicate more time to my shul and day school (Beth Tfiloh), and also enjoy a family vacation. The nice thing about being able to go home is that I can be more involved in my Jewish community and spend time with my family.
Photo Caption: Students are heading all over for winter break!
Photo Credit: Chuttersnap via Unsplash
