Shapell’s and MRC students are impressive people! This week, we are pleased to present the latest in a series of profiles of some of our excellent students.
Matt Neubauer grew up in Springfield, NJ, enjoying both playing and watching sports particularly tennis and hockey (He is a “die hard” Rangers fan.) As a student at the University of Michigan 
he was introduced by his fraternity brothers to the Jewish Resource Center. After a few Shabbat meals and attending classes at their “Maimonides” program, he became more interested in committing to living a Jewish life. Slowly, he started to participate in even more Shabbatot and added set learning times into his busy weekly schedule. This past May he graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics. Before interning with a software company called MongoDB last summer, he tried out a learning program for a few weeks in the US. He notes, “although I enjoyed my time there, it was evident to me that the experience I received did not match up exactly with what I heard from U of M alumni that had been to yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael.” It was clear to Matt that learning in Israel was needed.
At the suggestion of MRC aluma Natasha Nanus, now his fiancé, Matt planned to try Shapell’s and then transfer to another yeshiva. But his plans changed! Matt shares, “When I landed at Shapell’s this past May after graduating, I quickly discovered that I had found what I was looking for.”
Matt has been at Shapell’s now for five months and loves it. He notes, “The environment here is ripe for growing and learning. I still feel like I am growing at the same rate as when I first arrived thanks to the dedicated Rabbeim and my determined peers. Learning at Shapell’s is different than any other type of learning I have ever experienced. It is uplifting, motivating, and provides me with tools for success that I can apply to all aspects of my life.”
Shapell’s is proud of Matt and honored to be part of his Jewish growth and his Jewish future.
