People tend to love my honest opinion and unique persona, although at times my outspoken personality has gotten me in trouble. I enjoy expressing my thoughts and helping others; thus, I have decided to create a column in which I can freely answer questions, give advice and/or go on rants. Enjoy!
You may submit your burning questions and/or inquiries through this anonymous Google form.
1. Is it okay to date someone who is not Jewish if I do not plan on marrying them?
If you plan on being with someone Jewish in the long run, then of course you should not date someone who is not Jewish! I have unfortunately seen many of my peers make the incorrect decision in thinking “she/he is hot; it is only going to be temporary,” and as a result had to endure certain consequences of the relationship not playing out the way they expected. We are human, and after a certain period of time we cannot help but develop deeper feelings and become attached ― it is just human nature. You should not put yourself in that situation in the first place, if your ultimate goal is to marry Jewish. If you know someone is not going to be right for you in the long run, just save yourself the heartbreak and trouble by refraining. Avoiding the situation is the best thing to do because once you fall for someone, it becomes extremely difficult to “un-fall.”
2. On Snapchat it seems like you go out to eat often. What would you categorize as being the best kosher restaurants in LA?
It depends on the ambiance and type of food you are in the mood for.
Type of Food: My personal favorite
- Persian: Kabab Mahaleh (meat)
- Persian (fancy): Kolah Farangi (meat)
- Pizza: Nagila Pizza (dairy)
- Burger: Jeff’s Gourmet Kosher Sausage Factory (meat)
- Sushi: Sushiko (parve)
- Steakhouse: 1st choice — La Gondola Restaurant / 2nd choice — Shiloh’s Steak House (both meat)
- Israeli: Tie for 1st choice — Ta’eem Grill & Dr. Sandwich (both meat)
- Dairy: Trattoria Natalie
Okay, fine. I practically listed every kosher restaurant out there. But I just love every type of food any way, anytime, and anywhere.
3. Being from the [San Fernando] Valley, you spend most of your time in the city [Pico-Robertson and Fairfax/Hancock Park neighborhoods]. Which area do you like better and why? What are the pros and cons of each?
I loved growing up in the Valley. It was quiet and not as over-populated as the city. Now, however, being in college and older, the city has a lot more to offer and more things to do. Pros of the city are being around more Jews, kosher facilities, and having a broader array of social activities to choose from. That being said, major cons of living in the city include having to pay for parking, the inability to find parking easily, the likelihood of getting a parking ticket, and pretty much anything else associated to parking in any way, shape or form.
4. Is JSwipe an acceptable way to meet someone?
Meet? Sure, you will meet people 😉 Long-term relationship? Not quite sure. I’m sure individuals seeking a serious relationship might utilize the app, but so will people just looking for a booty call. If you choose to use JSwipe, I hope you find the right person, at the right time, and at the right swipe who does not want to just take advantage of you.
P.S. I want to be invited to the wedding if your experience goes well. I love being a part of simchas!
5. In the event of Israel’s military action against Iran, which country will you side with, and will you advocate for a peace agreement between the two?
Israel. I would not advocate for a peace agreement between the two because honestly, I just do not trust Iran, since its government is against the Jewish people and has a long history of putting my own family members in harm. In the odd event that the current regime shifted towards a more peaceful and more accepting government, then that would call for a different conversation.
6. Since you are born to a Jewish Iranian family and were raised in the U.S., do you consider yourself an Iranian or Israeli?
It would be inaccurate for me to consider myself Israeli since my family is not from Israel. I think the most accurate description of my ethnicity would be Iranian American since I was born and raised in America.
7. Do you love ME?!
I am sure you are a beautiful person with an even more beautiful neshamah (soul), but unfortunately I do not know who you are and love is a strong word; thus, I cannot conclude if I love you or not.
8. Favorite class at UCLA?
Epidemiology 100. Amazing class that you should definitely take it if you are interested in health. It’s not your typical science class because you actually get to see how things are applied to medicine and relate on a larger scale.
9. To man bun or not to man bun?
The way you choose to wear your hair is totally up to you since it is essentially your hair and not mine. However, I believe hair is a major contributor to how one can portray one’s self. So if you want to express yourself as the guy that looks like a cute 5-year-old girl, then so be it. I personally find man buns to be rather feminine.
10. How do you get over someone who was not right for you to begin with?
You realize you are better off without him or her and eat chocolate — lots and lots of chocolate (I like Ferrero Rocher). When the right person comes around, you will realize how quickly you can get over disappointments and how much happier you will be as a result of making the right decision… and you will miss the chocolate.
I love you and #9