When did you join JHP? How involved were you?
I was one of the founders of JHP in 1993 and joined then. The funny thing was, it wasn’t hard to get people to join because there was an immediate need for it. We had identified something that was in demand which was a peer to peer model that had a more accessible element to it. This is what differentiated us from other things that were available on campus. I think the fact that it was peer to peer, that we had great rabbis and sponsorship, and there were a lot of good educational programs and other things that we were able to weave into it that it quickly took off.
What is one of your favorite JHP memories and why?
Definitely having L’chiams with Rabbis.
What is your favorite thing about JHP?
I would say the alumni network, the continuity of the organization which is now 30 years going. Its growth, and the continuity of the alumni network which now spans 3 decades. You get both perspective and involvement from a broad range of people, and it’s very fulfilling to see its effect and positive impact on so many people from different parts of the country.
What was your favorite JHP event?
I think the annual fundraiser, the Taste of New York.
Has JHP impacted your celebration of Jewish holidays and Shabbat and how?
Yeah, I would say absolutely. It definitely kept me more involved after school, in particular seeking out folks from Chabad in different communities that I’ve been in because I have had such a great experience with them. Also, just being more active and celebratory or participating in the holidays more actively or more frequently.
What was JHP’s impact on your life?
I think it has really been one of the experiences that taught me the appreciation of community, of developing a community, and being part of a community. It taught me to cultivate it and stay involved in it over long periods of time.
What have you learned from JHP that you will take with you to your job or to the rest of your life?
I think just being involved in a second lifestyle and having a strong Jewish identity and practice.
