How did you get involved in JHP?
I was a sophomore at Binghamton and my friends started going to JHP events and meetings. I wanted to get involved in something on campus and realized that a lot of cool people were into JHP, so I decided to get involved. I appreciated that JHP offers students a way to connect to the Jewish community and their identity through fun experiences with friends.
What were your favorite JHP events and activities to participate in?
When I think about JHP, I think about the mentoring retreats mostly. One weekend we went to Philadelphia -- this was a time, similar to now, when JHP was all over Philadelphia and all of the chapters would get together. It was a great way to meet people and I actually still keep in touch with JHP students from other schools.
One weekend we also did a retreat to New York City. What was so cool and unique was that we all had pride and passion about JHP, and were actively recruiting our friends. In a way, we felt a responsibility to grow our chapter and take ownership over our events.
What impact has JHP had on you? Why do you think it is important to help support JHP and continue its legacy?
I was one of the lead interns at Binghamton and moving to Manhattan after college where I wasn't a very religious person was hard, in a way. When you leave college and you're on your own, you can lose your identity a little bit. JHP was a great way to introduce me to other organizations in NYC, and it was a good way to network. We have a great group from Binghamton who continue to go to events. Whether it's going to a happy hour or JHP fundraiser, I know that there are a group of my friends who will come with me.
Compared to the dozens of other organizations in Manhattan, JHP is really a community. You don't often see people leaving our community and you see people who are looking forward to growing the community. At Taste of New York, I'm looking forward to seeing the same people and keeping in touch with them.
