Meet the Candidates: Jacob Bernstein

Jacob Bernstein,  Jewish History & Math

Desired position in Student Government:  

SOY Vice President

Bio:

To begin with some background information: I’m from Woodmere, NY and I’ve attended HAFTR (through 10th grade), Rambam (11-12), Gush for a year, and YU for the past two years. I am currently a junior in the MYP Program, majoring in Jewish History and Math. Over the past year, I have been the President of SHEM (Student Holocaust Education Movement) as well as the Vice Chairman of the Honors Student Council. I enjoy meeting new people, as well as believe strongly in working with others to create successful programs. I look forward to meeting many of you throughout this upcoming year, and working with you to make this upcoming year great.

Why are you running for this position on student council?  

I am running for SOY VP to maintain the mission of the past year's boards, while advancing their goals through new and creative programs and activities. I hope to represent students of the whole yeshiva, taking everyone's interests to mind when making decisions and planning events. In addition to expanding the message of SOY on campus, I feel it is important to provide students the opportunity to bring the Yeshiva home with them whether on Shabbat or Chag. Without any experience on the SOY-JSC team previously, I feel most qualified running for Vice President to support and assist the soon to be President in advancing the mission of the council.

What experience do you bring to this position?   

For the past two years I have been on the Honors Student Council, this past year serving as the Vice Chairman, working together with the administration of the Honors Program to improve old and create new programming. This past year, I was also the President of SHEM (Student Holocaust Education Movement), where I led a skilled board in developing programs (including the Yom Hashoa Memorial Program) that were meaningful and were run professionally. I am currently the Director of the Boys BMP in Camp Morasha, working with both administration and committees to develop exciting, enjoyable, and educational programming for campers and staff alike.

What, if any, other leadership commitments are you taking on next year?

What other leadership commitments I take on for next year will depend heavily upon whether or not I am voted into this position.

How many credits do you plan on taking next semester?

17     

At YU, I...

I live in a YU dorm, I live within five blocks of the YC campus, I eat at least half of my meals in the caf, I have not faced any disciplinary action from Yeshiva University, I do not have a criminal record nor have I been arrested    I have taken 17 credits every semester, and feel that I have been able to balance my classes with other responsibilities.

Why should students vote for you over any other candidate?

I have a passion for creating new programming and improving existing opportunities for individuals and communities to grow in their service of Hashem and Am Yisrael. I have the experience and skills to parallel that desire, to ensure that it happens in an organized and professional manner.