What has been the biggest takeaway through all of your time with JHP?
The one thing about JHP that constantly amazes me is its ability to expand across borders – and not just physical ones. JHP unifies people, regardless of age, beliefs, or background, and creates this ever-growing community that you know you can always rely on. I’ve told this story several times, but I love to recount my time studying abroad when I was traveling in Amsterdam. I was only there for two nights, but one of these nights happened to fall on Shabbat. You can imagine the look on my face when the concierge called my room and informed me I had a package waiting for me in the lobby. I had never been to Amsterdam before, and as a native New Yorker I knew absolutely nobody in the city… I just figured it had to be a mistake. Low and behold, I was greeted in the lobby with challah and Shabbat candles. The one and only Menachem Schmidt had called the Rabbi in Amsterdam to let him know I was visiting and to see if there was anything he could do to make me feel a little more at home. I was miles and miles across the world, yet somehow JHP was still managing to show their unconditional love and support. This is just one of many stories of how JHP bridges gaps and connects people – no matter who and where you are.
Do you have any memorable stories from Birthright?
Birthright was an unforgettable experience, one that I am so grateful for and would recommend to everyone. Although it has been several years since I’ve gone on Birthright, I still remember it vividly. One piece of my trip that really stood out was not really a “piece” at all, but the people. We had IDF soldiers join us for a large majority of the trip - they were around our age, but somehow seemed so different. I spent my weeks studying for exams and socializing with friends, while they spent theirs serving their country within various units of the IDF. Yet somehow, over the course of a few days, I gradually became closer and closer with the soldiers on our bus and they ultimately turned into very close friends. The more I heard about their experience in the IDF, the more respect and admiration I had for them. Birthright, similarly to JHP, had bridged a gap between a bunch of 20-year olds living completely different lives in different parts of the world. To this day, my Birthright experience reminds me that I’m part of something so much bigger than myself and continues to shape my perspective on the world.
Was there a specific JHP event or program that sticks with you?
JHP’s most powerful asset is its network, which is why the JHP Mentoring Retreats are such a crucial component of the organization. As a student, I always looked forward to these events as an opportunity to connect with business professionals, learn about different industries, and receive guidance regarding the daunting recruitment process. The advice I received was completely invaluable and has stuck with me, even three years after graduating from Penn. But the best part of the mentoring retreats is that it doesn’t stop after college – I graduated from mentee to mentor. So while I’m technically an “adult” now and sharing my experiences with current students, I still get to learn and hear from brilliant individuals and continue to expand my network. The learning never stops, and neither do the friendships (both professional and personal) that you make along the way.
Do you have any specific stories that stand out about your time with JHP?
I don’t think I have enough space here to share all the stories throughout my time at JHP. However, one of my favorite and most recent memories has to be celebrating JHP’s 30thAnniversary at Taste of New York (TONY), where I had the privilege of being one of the honorees at the event. The night was nothing short of magical, getting to meet so many generations of JHP and simultaneously getting to celebrate with my closest family and friends. TONY was the perfect example of JHP’s influence and impact, bringing together so many people from different backgrounds and places, but all sharing a common purpose. While we enjoyed the music and food and wine, it was amazing to remind ourselves of all that JHP has accomplished over the past 30 years – just to think what it can possibly accomplish in the next 30!
