What was your biggest takeaway from JHP, something that really resonated back then or even resonates today?
The connections I made through JHP that have lasted into the real world are the biggest thing for me. JHP allowed me to continue my connection to Judaism and get more involved with my Judaism, especially as I am no longer under my parent's leadership for holidays. JHP helped me bring Judaism into the real world, as well as helping me develop an independent and personal relationship with Judaism.
How was your birthright experience? Do you have a fun or meaningful memory from that trip?
I went on Birthright in 2018 and it was spectacular. At the end of the trip, our Birthright leaders took out a map of Israel and we each put a piece of candy on the location where our favorite memory took place throughout the trip. I put my candy on Jerusalem where we had our last shabbat. It was magical – we were all encouraged to get our own bottle of wine and get the L’chaims flowing. This was a great culmination of the trip and a very nice bonding experience.
What was your favorite JHP event and why?
Shabbat for 2000 was a personal favorite as it inspired me to take on a whole new meaning of shabbat. I had never hosted my own Shabbat prior – it seemed like such a daunting task. But JHP supplied me with everything I needed to try out hosting my own Shabbat, and it turned out to be such a special experience that I continued to host several Shabbats in the future – and still do in the real world.
How did JHP influence your connection to Judaism as a college student and beyond?
JHP helped me find my own Jewish values and my relationship with them, rather than just following my family’s traditions. Through JHP, I learned that I didn’t need to take the aspects of Hebrew school that I didn’t like with me and could focus on the things that resonated with me.
In what way did JHP impact your pursuit of your career?
I did an internship in Israel after birthright, and JHP was super helpful in making sure I had all the resources I could need when going to Israel for summer.
Aside from myself, I have a friend whom I brought along to a mentorship retreat sophomore year, and she made a connection with someone at Blackstone whom she still keeps in touch with. Later on, he got her an interview and she ended up getting the position. I know that if I or my friends ever need connections, JHP provides a great network.
