Over the years, JHP at Penn has had a variety of student leaders who have paved the way for the continued success of the program. This year’s president, Ryan Josephson, is one of those leaders. “It’s been incredible working with the board and creating positive change for the organization. We’ve accomplished a lot, not just bringing in more members, but bringing in more engaged members.”
He has experienced JHP as both a leader and a member and those experiences have shaped his passion for the program.
“I travelled to Israel with the Penn JHP trip, and it was hands down one of my most memorable experiences. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was my first time in Israel and I was with all of my close friends that I have maintained relationships with, through JHP and other social settings. It was awesome to be with everyone, even when we had to wake up early and have really long days. Just messing around and having a great time learning about the Jewish culture and heritage that I wasn’t always exposed to or hadn’t been exposed to in a while was definitely important and eye-opening as well. Being able to return to campus and continue the friendships I made on the trip made the Penn JHP specific trip really special.”
JHP is different from other Jewish programming on campus, because of the community it establishes for so many students. As the president of JHP, Ryan is able “continue to foster the community that he originally joined.” During the exclusive mentoring retreats with JHP alumni, Ryan even bumped into an old camp counselor. “I didn’t even realize it was the same person when I read about him before the retreat. I hadn’t talked to him in ten years, and now he is in my network.”
But it’s not only the physical community that JHP establishes. It’s also the importance of Jewish traditions and values that it uncovers in each person who chooses to get involved. “After joining JHP, I had a stronger realization about how important Judaism is in my life. Whether that be through the social interactions with the people in this community and the traditions I have taken back to my family, or through my academics, business, and networking, all of it came together through JHP. My memories and experiences from this organization will remind me to keep Judaism in my life throughout my future. I don’t have a Shabbat dinner every Friday, but when I do, I recognize how meaningful it is and that has been something that JHP has created.”
As a junior studying finance and management in The Wharton School, Ryan wants to explore the fields of banking and venture capital after graduation, but it doesn’t stop there. As a natural leader, he aspires to run for public office and work with public policy. As he says it, “I’m a really curious person and I want to have multiple careers throughout my life.”
We are so thrilled to have Ryan leading JHP at Penn through its 25th year!
