Spotlight on Binyamin Garden (FYHS '04)

Graduating Year: 2004

Current Location: Chicago, IL

Profession: Dermatologist

Tell us a little bit about your family: 

Married with 4 kids.

What is your favorite memory/(memories) from FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

Some of my favorite memories are from hanging out with friends in the dormitory and meeting students from across the country. Freshman year especially stands out: we had about a dozen guys whose older brothers were seniors. It was a lot of fun as a freshman to feel comfortable hanging out with the seniors and learning the ropes of dorm life (and seeing first hand how to hide an N64 in your hutch).

Rabbi Weiss was my rebbe for one year and my math teacher for three years, so I had the privilege of learning from him all four years in Yeshiva. We developed a relationship that meant a lot to me and left a lasting impression. And it was an honor playing him in our Purim shpiel.

Please share a lesson/takeaway from your time at FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

One of the most important takeaways from my time there was learning how to study independently and develop a strong academic work ethic. It was a very long day of school so you had to take advantage of a free period to get work done. Learning how to manage time and be self-motivated was a skill that stayed with me long after graduation.

Advice for current students:

Build strong connections with your Rebbeim and with your friends. Those relationships will shape your experience more than anything else. And, of course, stay focused and stay out of trouble — as Rabbi Isenberg used to caution, "TAP: Think and Ask Permission" (although sometimes asking forgiveness worked too).