Entering Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences in Brooklyn after studying for two years in Israel, Goodstein chose accounting as his major. He enjoyed the precise nature of the field and felt his yeshiva training in analyzing texts served him well in a discipline that required close inspection of journal entries and financial statements. 

Today, the class valedictorian and summa cum laude graduate of Touro’s Lander College of Arts and Sciences is learning at Yeshiva Shor Yoshuv and headed to Harvard Law School. He may build upon his accounting background to pursue a career in tax law, but is keeping his options open as he enters law school.

During his college career, Goodstein interned both at a brokerage firm called Rosewood Realty Group and for Justice Leon Ruchelsman of Kings County Supreme Court. The Supreme Court internship further piqued his interest in pursuing a legal career and cemented his decision to apply to law school.

Besides his academic interests, Goodstein is an avid sports and exercise enthusiast. A graduate of Mesivta Ateres Yaakov High School and a member of Kehilas Bais Yehuda Tzvi, Goodstein feels he has gained “so much from my teachers, schools, shuls and the community… “ He hopes to pay it forward in the future by using his knowledge in Jewish studies, accounting and law to help community members in need.

“I chose Touro because I wanted to be able to continue studying Talmud while pursuing a respected college degree. The flexible schedule at Touro in Brooklyn enabled me to study in a local yeshiva while attending college and receiving a stellar education and outstanding pre-law advisement.  The prelaw advisor guided me throughout the entire law school application process and helped me achieve my ultimate goal of gaining admission to a top law school. The positive experiences of my father and older brother, who also graduated Touro, further influenced my decision,” says Goodstein.

Goodstein is one of four valedictorians who will serve as student speakers for the 2024 Lander College commencement, to be held June 2 at Lincoln Center in New York City.