During her time at Milken, Ariel sat in the theater surrounded by her peers and wondered if her future husband was in that same room. Little did she know, he was not only in that room, but years later they would walk back into the Milken theater for their first date.

Although only two years apart at Milken, Yakov and Ariel connected in their college years, and the connection was instant. Within a week of reconnecting, the two had planned their first date: Kol Echad’s Spring Ensemble. After walking in together, being welcomed back by their previous teachers and enjoying a beautiful performance together, the two went for ice cream, and the rest was history.

Ariel and Yakov connected over their shared love for helping others, as they both pursued careers in the medical field. Despite the distance brought on by attending different schools and programs across the country throughout the years, the two were closer than ever over the years apart - supporting each other as they worked towards their goals. Finally, they reunited in Los Angeles, both pursuing opportunities at Cedars-Sinai.

Their passion for what they do, and the values that were instilled within them throughout their upbringing truly allows them to understand each other unlike any other. They are grateful to Milken for not only bringing them one another, but for the science curriculum that prompted them to pursue a career in the medical field, a love for Jewish traditions, and the long-lasting friendships that they hold with their Milken peers.

The couple currently lives in Los Angeles, and plans on tying the knot in the spring of 2023. Ariel is currently a Cardiology Physician’s Assistant at Cedars-Sinai CACVI, and Yakov is a resident at Cedars-Sinai, specializing in Internal Medicine.