By Michele Amira Pinczuk, staff writer, @nicejewishswag
Seniors Danielle Leopold and Kevin Rychik set off on a pumpkin carving adventure in the Maryland Hillel sukkah Sept. 20. After all, the seasons are changing and what says autumn time more than carving pumpkins?
Leopold, a communications and government and politics double major, and Rychik, a physiology and neurobiology major, discussed their shared love of music and joked about running away to Italy over a picnic of Nutella spread and toasted sesame bagels from Bethesda Bagels.
How important is it to you to date someone who is Jewish?
D: I have always been grateful that my parents are so willing to support me in whatever I do. My mom converted to Judaism before I was born. So, I can do whatever I want. Jewish men just happen to be the best (haha).
K:I feel it’s very important to date someone who is Jewish. I was raised Jewish, and I think it is extremely important to marry a Jew. Plus, my parents would kill me if I didn’t.
What were your first impressions when you saw your date?
D: We laughed because we’ve known each other since freshman year. Pumpkins and Nutella definitely changed the mood though.”
K: My first impression was love at first sight, and we have to get married as soon as possible.
What did you and your date kibbitz about?
D: We talked about our future plans and our families. He’s really interested in medicine and music. What’s to complain about that?
K: We spoke mostly about our future plans of running away to Italy together to become professional pumpkin carvers. We’re getting married after the holidays and secretly escaping the country. Don’t tell anyone!
What did you think of your date’s pumpkin carving skills?
D: I can tell he has a future as a surgeon. His precision and attention to detail was admirable. He learned quickly too, I never would have guessed it was his first time carving a pumpkin!
K: She was a pro at pumpkin carving. She’s been doing it forever. I definitely need to practice for our future jobs as Italian pumpkin carvers. I can always become a surgeon if that doesn’t work out.
How would you rate your date experience on a scale of 1-10, with 10 ranking the highest?
D: I’m debating between giving it a one million out of 10 and two million out of 10. There were a few lulls in the conversation, but pumpkin carving really allowed each of our strengths to shine through.
K: Can I give Dani a million out of 10? She definitely deserves that, and I hope she gave me two million out of 10.
