Alumni Spotlight – Ben Scharfstein ’08

by | Dec 2, 2021 | Alumni Class Notes, Community

So Ben, tell us more about yourself…

What have you been up to since graduating Rashi?

About a year ago I quit my job at Google to start a company — we’re building a social video chat to help bring people together and have fun. I’ve connected with many of my Rashi classmates on Rume!

What is your favorite Rashi memory?

Really so many, it’s hard to pick. Some that really stick out are the yearly Lag Ba’omer field day, weekly Kabbalat Shabbat, our lovably cringy rendition of The Wiz, and the Israel trip. One that I’ll never forget is when my friend (Sam Glasgow ’08) and I petitioned whoever was in charge of the Annual Dinner to allow us to be official photographers. It was my first “job” and we took it very seriously.

What was your favorite class at Rashi?

I had so many great teachers at Rashi but I really always loved math, from mad minutes in 3rd grade to Jeptha’s Algebra class in 8th.

What is something you have learned at Rashi that has stayed with you since graduating?

I think about Tikkun Olam all the time and I know so many of my Rashi classmates do too. On a recent catch up call with our class I was struck and inspired by how many people are doing things to make the world a better place.

What is your favorite activity at Rashi?

I loved working on the yearbook — it sparked my passion for both photography and technology which I carry to this day.

What are you reading these days?

I just finished President Obama’s most recent book, A Promised Land.