“I became involved with JHP because I like the message [it] sends . . . it really captures a whole sector of the Jewish community at Penn that would otherwise not be involved with any Jewish organization.”
- Jeff Lowenstein, UPenn Class of ‘13
Each year, a core group of student interns who have gained understanding and appreciation of their Jewish heritage engage fellow students , plan and hold events, and recruit friends to build Jewish community and identity. This core group of interns form the backbone of a community that reaches Jews from all backgrounds in comfortable, non-judgmental ways, especially those who would not otherwise involve themselves with Jewish identity.
JHP on Campus has…
- Connected more than 200,000 students to Jewish identity since 1993.
- United nearly 50% of Penn’s Jewish population (about 2,000 Jews) annually for Shabbos for 2000, a single night of traditional Shabbos dinners hosted by students across campus.
- Involved more than 25% of the Jewish population at six major universities in Jewish programs.
- Provided Mentoring opportunities with access to leaders like concert impresario Michael Dorf, billionaire business leader Howard Jonas, legal firm giant Stephen Cozen and other astronomically successful professionals.
- Organized community service events such as Leading the Way with PB&J, where students make more than 2,000 PBJ sandwiches for the homeless.
- Organized 100 student-run Shabbat dinners, events, study sessions, and celebrations each year.
- Created dedicated alumni from 10 campuses who organize and sustain Jewish communities after graduation.