When did you join JHP? How involved were you?
I joined as a sophomore with my sorority (SDT). It was not a very “conscious” decision at first — many others were participating in Shabbat dinners or community service activities, and they seemed like fun and meaningful activities to do. I subsequently went to Birthright with JHP as a junior and still maintain connections with some of the Rabbis, as I live in Philadelphia. My two sons (now 7 and 5) even went to Chabad preschool in our neighborhood in Philadelphia.
When you think of JHP, what comes to mind?
Community, fun, engagement, finding ways to practice / observe / learn about Judaism in a way that fits into life as a college student. Everyone can explore at their own comfort level. A great way to build community and network with others on a college campus – in a Jewish way.
What is one of your favorite JHP memories and why?
Shabbat for 2000 was great! It felt like almost everyone Jewish I knew was celebrating Shabbat that night in their respective houses or apartments by lighting candles, making kiddush and eating a quick meal together. It was a very powerful experience! Another favorite memory was my Israel trip. It was really nice to participate with a bus full of Penn kids and expand my network of Jewish classmates on campus. I also really enjoyed building connections with the JHP leaders (Levi, Menachem), and those are relationships that exist still today. It was not a “fluff” trip. It was done in the “Penn model” – work hard and play hard. A lot of learning, intense discussions, reflection — and a ton of fun. Many years later, I went back to Israel on a Jewish Federation mission with peers….and my JHP Israel experience was one of the biggest reasons why I knew I wanted to travel again to Israel with a group of friends again.
What was JHP’s impact on your life?
As I mentioned, my husband and I met at Penn and still live in Philadelphia. Our sons (ages 7 and 5) attended preschool at our local Chabad shul. We ended up choosing this school – in part- because of our relationship with Menachem and the positive experiences we both had as JHP participants at Penn. We feel strongly about raising our kids in a home and community that emphasizes Judaism and its practices/values. This includes lighting candles, celebrating holidays, being active members of our community and serving as good citizens for those less fortunate.