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Rachel, happy birthday to my sweetest friend. You keep everyone around you grounded. You say exactly what’s on your mind, you’re the center of the dance floor every time you’re out. Rachel you are so inclusive to everyone and make every person in your presence feel so welcomed and loved. Every time you invite me to Shabbat, even though I don’t know that many people, I always feel so comfortable and excited to go because I know I’ll have you there to include me and introduce me to others. You have an ability to bring all people together and make them feel comfortable with themselves and with others. I took this picture at a cafe outside on a sunny day, because you are the sunshine in my life and you brighten people’s days. Singing to the elderly with you brightens my day and makes their year. Literally. I’m eating eggs- nothin like that TI brunch. I’m also eating bacon which reminds me of you because you don’t. Hehe.

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Rachel! My sweetie pie!!! Happy Birthday. I took this photo at Ben’s home in the Berkshires when the sun was setting. Not only was I surrounded by a wonderful group of princeton jews, making me feel even closer to you. I even participated in havdallah! It was so magical and I have you to thank for being the first person to truly introduce me to judaism. Thank you for always answering my questions and having such amazing conversations with me :) I can’t wait to marry a nice jewish boy that you set me up with!!! A second reason this photo reminds me of you is because although the sun is setting, you can’t quite see it. Almost like a hidden gem. You my dear rachel are a true gem and I appreciate you so much. I’m so grateful to have you as a friend. You are generous and sweet and FUN! I love you so much. Happy 21st!!!!!

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It may look like I chose to take my photo in the middle of the night, when I look exhausted from a long day, but still so ridiculously happy to celebrate you--- and this is all accurate! I wanted to take a photo with an ocean view, which I have (will send), but I thought it more appropriate to take a photo in my normal state when we often meet up: late at night just to get to hang out even when we’re both tired from the day. I’m always so thankful when you make late night stops to foulke for these kind of hangouts. Additionally, although you can’t see it, there is actually an ocean in the background. Even at night you can hear the constant sound of the waves; this may be cheesy but this is similar to how I view your friendship and presence. You’re a constant in my life and I’m so grateful for that. Apart from being constant, I have come to understand how strong the waves are from my bouts with surfing this summer. Although I agree with everyone on your amazing sweetness, I want to focus on another quality I love about you that’s a little less discussed: you are so strong. You’ve lived in many addresses and zip codes, but have adapted and thrived in all of them. You work incredibly hard all day every day, and then still remember to check in with friends and take care of them as well. You take on any obstacle you meet with persistence and a positive attitude. I have admired and been inspired by your strength since our original Gen Chem days together. Rach, thanks for being my ocean. I’m so glad you were born. Love you lots and hope you enjoyed this little thought board xoxo

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I chose to take my photo in front of colorful, bright flowers because of your cheerful presence and brilliant mind. Just like these colorful flowers, you quite literally light up a room when you walk in—everyone naturally gravitates towards you, which is why I feel especially honored to be one of your best friends. These bright flowers also remind me of you because of your intellectual brilliance—manifest by the courses you take, the interest you have in them, the papers you produce, and most importantly, the questions you ask. You are not only brilliant intellectually but also emotionally, which makes you my go-to person in all types of scenarios :). (PS: Jerusalem stone is in the background too because I know how much you love israel, and I can’t wait for you to come visit me here OFTEN!) I love you so much and hope you have the happiest birthday!

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My dearest Rachey. I like to think I am the only one who calls you this, but the other day I was stalking you on Facebook and saw someone else call you Rachey on a photo, which of course made me sad that I am not the only one, but also happy that this stranger thought this was the right name too. Anyways, my dearest Rachey - please don’t kill me for this photo, I couldn’t resist. This weekend was such a happy memory with you, and I was looking through the photos and decided nothing could be better than a close up on this infamous situation, in the very location the photo was taken. You made this weekend so special - as you do all the time we spend together - because of your caring and considerate nature, your gameness and willingness to try any and everything, and your fun and warm presence. I am so glad that our paths crossed at Princeton and I feel lucky to have developed the friendship that we have. You have taught me so much - not only the million things about Judaism I have quizzed you about, but also how to be a kinder, more caring, patient, and thoughtful person. These are all qualities you possess that I admire so much, and try to replicate in my own self. Having our data science and history classes together last spring made the semester infinitely better - from Jan and his idioms to Daisy and her incompetence, it was fun to go through it with you. I hope you have a wonderful birthday - please do some large-athlete-free yoga and chew as many packs of mint Trident as you possibly can for me. Love you so much, and can’t wait to celebrate when we’re reunited in the fall.

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I choose this photo with Ariela by the Brooklyn bridge because one, obviously, you lived in Brooklyn and two, because we were both at Ariela’s Bat Mitzvah. And it is rumored that if God didn’t give the 10 commandments to Moses on Har Sinai, he would’ve done it right here in Brooklyn or at Camp Weissman, and the tablets would’ve said exactly what they says in this picture or a caption from Linda’s instagram. And even though Ariela thought that maybe you and I wouldn’t be friends, we definitely showed her!  I’m so so lucky to have you in my life. You are one of the most hardworking and intelligent people I know. I am always in awe of how you challenge yourself academically to do the best that you can do and physically to hold the most weight at body pump. I always have such a fun time with you whether we are being weird in the bathroom of McDonnell, or you’re lying on my rug, or we’re having a lunch date at TI, or when we are binge eating CJL cookies, and yes, (but don’t hold this against me) even when we are studying in Scheide Caldwell. You truly always know how to cheer me up, and always know what questions to ask to stir the pot. I am looking forward to many more Shabbats wandering around campus looking for you, and to many more eye rolls at Michael. I hope you are chewing a healthy amount of gum on your birthday - keep me posted! Soph

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Dearest Rachel,

Happy birthday! My photo is symbolic for two reasons. 1. It’s in a beautiful place (almost as beautiful as you) on a beautiful morning. 2. The photo was taken by my mom, who as you know is my best friend and a woman of excellent taste and judgement. The first time she meet you Rach, she told me after our brunch that she was so impressed by you - you’re substantive and care deeply about others and doing the right thing, but also light-hearted and an absolute joy to be around. As I say, you were the gift of sophomore year when I first met you and got to know you. I feel so lucky to call you my friend and am so happy we have another year at Princeton to spend together. I love you very much. I hope that 21 is your best year yet; I’m so excited to see where it takes you!

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RACH! There are so many things in this photo that remind me of you. The bright sunshine reminds me of your gorgeous smile and the incredible, positive energy that you radiate every day. The beautiful, serene lake reminds me of your beauty both inside and out, and your invaluable ability to calm my nerves. The campfire below me (can you see it?) reminds me of your amazing love and passion for camp, friends, and family. I come to Maine to be happy, to try and relax, to practice gratitude, and to love life. When I cannot come to Maine, you are one of the few people that I can undoubtedly turn to for lessons in all of these things. You really are wise beyond your years, and I look up to you constantly for your ability to live life to the fullest, to see the bigger picture, and to always express your gratitude for the beautiful things and people that surround you. I love you, and I cannot wait to give you the biggest hug the next time I see you in person (which better be soon <3 ).

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Happy birthday my love! I chose to take this photo in front of my closet in order to commemorate all of those times that I received a text from you asking to come and look at dresses in my room - I am proud to say that several Rachel Linfield ~lewks~ at formals and parties have originated in this way. More than once you've taken a random dress in my closet, thrown it on and looked absolutely stunning. I like to think of this as a metaphor for the way that you approach life. You can take anything, be it a challenging assignment, a problem a friend is having, or maybe even a board game, and apply your deeply thoughtful and caring attention to it and turn it into something beautiful and uniquely your own. Also, all my clothes look better on you than they do on me, which I only resent you for the tiniest bit. Rach, you truly inspire me with your kindness, your loving personality and the true friendship you extend to so many people. I could not imagine having gotten through the strugz that were junior year (with many ups and downs, academic and besides) and I knew I could always rely on you for that quick text or hug. Thank you for being such a source of light in all of our lives - I love you so much!

P.S. I also chose to wear this PJ set because of the time that you and Soph came into my room to find me in it and you couldn't stop laughing at how funny I looked. Thank you for accepting me, quirks and all <3

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Dearest Rach - I took this photo at the basketball courts in Central Park because, while we may not have officially met on the dillon gym basketball court, I think of that place when I think of the origin of our friendship. To be honest, knowing that I’d get to hang out with you was the only thing that motivated me to go to the handful of club basketball practices that I actually attended. On the few occasions that I went and you weren’t there, I generally left halfway through. This probably speaks to some commitment issues on my part, but more importantly, it speaks to how wonderful it is to be in your presence. Whether we’re giggling while catching up or having a serious conversation, you listen with purpose and you always seem to “get it”. You are a selfless team player with so many friends that rely on you for support, encouragement, and a non-judgmental ear. We all owe you a resounding “thank you” for radiating positivity and kindness into our lives.

Cheers to 21, to the marathons (past and to come) at stokes library, and to the true baller--on the court and in life--that you are. Love you lots, happy happy birthday.

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To my Dearest Rachel,

Happy Birthday!! I took this photo at the Israel Museum next to the “AHAVA” sign because it reminds me of one of your most obvious qualities which is dedication and love to friends and family. Ever since I met you, I knew that you were a great girl, but not until I really started to get to know you and become friends with you did I realize how lucky I am to have a friend like you in my life. I have never met someone so full of love and life and positivity. The love you give to all your friends is unprecedented and inspiring. Although we are not together on your actual birthday, please know that I am sending you so much hugs and kisses from Israel. Thank you for always picking me up when I am feeling down, for being there by my side and for always encouraging me and supporting me. I only wish amazing things for you rach and I am so excited for you to come to Israel because I am waiting with OPEN ARMS !!!!

Love,

Shana

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My dear, sweet Rachel,
It seems that in the city that never sleeps, they also fail to provide fun colored pencils/pens/markers and paper. I had a very hard time finding some! Alas! Please excuse the lack of paper card.

Anyway, I was waiting to find the perfect spot to take a picture with a sign for you the other night as I was walking along the West Side Highway, when I realized that THIS would be the place I wanted to take a picture. It was around 8:50pm on a Wednesday night and it was the most beautiful night so far in NYC. The sun had been setting for about 30 minutes, and I sat for a while on my walk to Max’s apartment just watching the beautiful colors. It’s not often that “currie-in-a-hurry” slows down and just takes a deep breath, but I did. I sat on a bench with some music playing, and I felt SO at peace. And I thought of you, beautiful Rachel! In that perfect moment (one of my favorite this summer), I was reminded of your gentle presence. Like the sunset, you are reliable—I can count on the sun to set and rise every day, just as I can count on you to squeeze my hand, laugh at my jokes, or tell me everything is going to work out. You are beautiful like a sunset—quietly radiant, never calling attention to yourself but there you are, without fail, looking so radiant in everything from workout clothes to formal attire. Finally, I thought about you while I was walking the rest of the way home as the breeze from the Hudson cooled the hot air around me. Sorry to be cliché, dear Rachel, but you are quite literally a breath of fresh air every time I see you, just like that cool breeze. Even if we don’t see each other much during the week, those times that we sit together and simply talk about our lives/siblings/boyfriends/struggles always make me feel like we have been friends for DECADES. Your calming presence and incredible ability to make people feel heard was probably what drew me to you in the first place. I will never forget just how easily we slid into conversing and laughing the first time we hung out (shout out Carson’s single!!). You, my friend, remind me of the beautiful, glittering, understated magnificence of a walk along the Hudson. I can’t tell you enough how meaningful your friendship has been to me. I love you to the moon! Happy, happy 22nd birthday, my dear.
Love always,
Currie

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As you can see, my picture is taken in front of Trader Joe’s. To take this photo I did have to suffer deep embarrassment but I felt that was fitting anyways since Rachel witnesses me suffering deep embarrassment regularly, not to mention that one time I came with her to Shabbat and tried to shake hands with the rabbi’s son. This photo in front of TJs is also fitting, however, because Rachel helped me discover my love for this pace this summer; a love that we both now share. Trader Joe’s reminds me of Rachel not only because she showed me that you can buy food for a third of the Whole Foods price (something that shows her responsible nature), but also because it is is a generally nurturing place that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside and also because it is Kosher.

This is all to say that Rachel exposes me to the good stuff in life. She has introduced me to her wonderful family, cooked meals for and with me, taken me to body pump to show off how strong she is, watched movies with me, given me moral support during boring information sessions, offended with me with her strict aversion to any other ice cream flavor but chocolate, and snuggled up in bed with me to talk about all things under the sun.

Rachel is both so loving and so loveable. She knows how to bring people together and make them feel welcomed wherever she goes, and her sweet side is perfectly counterbalanced with her willingness to get deep into gossip seshes and speak her mind. Thank you Rachel for making me feel like family, and of course, for educating me on correct grocery destinations.

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We had to be sneaky to get this pic (aka wait for you to shower). Our appt reminds us of you because of all the sick dance parties we've had in this living room. Happy birthday, Rach! We love you and DC Contingent would not have been the same without you!