When did you join JHP? How involved were you?
I joined JHP my freshman year, and I became very involved from the start. I was (co) lead intern by my senior year.
What is one of your favorite JHP memories and why?
By far, the New York retreat that happened every fall was my favorite because, not only was it a lot of fun to go to New York, but also the sense of community that was fostered on those trips. There were New York based alumni that would join us and I would always enjoy the Shabbat services. While I was there for the religious aspect as much as the social aspect, it was really nice to have that opportunity to bond with other attendees I didn't know that well.
What was JHP’s impact on your life?
At JHP, you could have Jewish identity and varying levels of Jewish observance, while also having the social and community aspect. It created a space that allowed me to be comfortable in my Judaism. Through JHP, I strengthened bonds with friends I already made while making new ones. Additionally, it helped me start a network that has been particularly useful, given that I've stayed in Philadelphia.
What have you learned from JHP that you will take with you to your job or to the rest of your life?
I always focus on "paying it forward". When Menachem asks me to do something, I feel a bit of an obligation to do it - in a good way! And that sentiment extends beyond JHP. In my professional life, because of what I learned from JHP, when someone asks me for their time or their advice, to the extent that I can, I will always say yes because I think it's important to provide that support.
