SeniorITIS 2017 REFLECTIONS

"Through reading Holocaust survivor interviews, searching through their photographs, learning and writing their stories, I've gotten to expand my knowledge, but mostly I've started to connect real life stories to the picture of the Holocaust I've formed in my head, post March of the Living. This experience has come to mean more to me than what I imagined at the start of the month; two names that have really enriched my perspective are Ruth Ravina and Michael Zeiger. These survivors' interviews stuck out to me because of their vivid detail and raw human emotion, and I'm glad that I'll be able to pass on their stories after the work I've done here. Becoming more knowledgeable about the history of our people makes me feel very connected to Judaism. The unwavering hope and optimism of these survivors inspires me, and the kindness and compassion of the rescuers is a powerful reminder of what it truly means to do the right thing and help someone in need."
-Arielle Fuhrman- Livingston, NJ - Intern for the the Holocaust Council of Greater MetroWest

"SeniorITIS has been an extremely eye-opening experience that has given me fantastic insight into what it will be like in a potential future job, in an office environment.  Michael Strom [my supervisor] is always keeping me busy and I feel like I have been able to be a big part in Mitzvah Mania this year, as well as other JTEEN programs.  My favorite thing that I have done during my time working for Michael was creating an imovie project to promote Mitzvah Mania.  It was a lot of work, but good to see the process that takes place for an idea to be flushed out within a company.  It is nice to see that my work is featured on the website, and great that I was able to help with the recruiting."
-Zachary Kronheimer- Westfield, NJ- Intern at Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, NJ (JTEEN)


"The SeniorITIS program, in terms of both my internship at ESI and the weekly programming, has reminded me of the power of the Jewish community. While talking with my supervisor about a SeniorITIS session with a speaker from JVS, he told me that JVS helped connect him to ESI. This created a full circle because his job and relationship to the Federation helped connect me to my internship. My supervisor has also served as an optimal role model for how to behave as a Jewish professional in the workplace by constantly acting as “kiddush hashem.”
- Iris Berman- Livingston, NJ- Intern at ESI, Enviro-Sciences 


"My experience with SeniorITIS has impacted my connection to Judaism because I did not know that the non profit world and my religion could be combined in a meaningful career. I was especially affected by the life coach session because I learned that networking is extremely crucial for life, especially when trying to find a career that suits you. It was really cool to be told that Jewish geography can truly play a role in one's future success. I'm also hoping to learn more about Jewish social work in the future, whether working in a synagogue or community center."
-Amy Nadel- Short Hills, NJ - Intern at the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, NJ (Outreach) 

"My SeniorITIS experience has not changed my connection to Judaism or my Jewish identity per se, but it has given me a different perspective on Jewish professional careers. For example, a couple of weeks ago, it would have been difficult for me to name a sales job that was strongly connected with Judaism. Now, though, through my experience with Israel Bonds, I realize that there are people around the country who work in sales and at the same time help Jews build a stronger connection with the state of Israel, in this case through financial investments. This internship has shown me that it's possible to make Judaism a part of nearly any career path I choose to take."
-Sam Russo- Randolph, NJ- Intern for Israel Bonds

"I truly loved my time in SeniorITIS and am so glad to have been able to be a part of such a great organization. I learned so much from both my internship and from the program itself. This was an incredible first internship and I will always be grateful to have gotten such unbelievable experience at such a young age.
I really appreciate all of the advice and knowledge that you gave us over the course of the program.”
-Stephanie Riefman- Saddle River, NJ- Intern for the New Jersey Jewish News

“Overall, this has been a really great experience for me. I have enjoyed my internship with JFS, and I am even continuing into August as a volunteer because I enjoy it so much.”
-Madeline Quinn, Montville, NJ- Intern at Jewish Family Services  

"This was an incredible program. SeniorITIS and the NJJN taught me invaluable lessons and skills that I will carry on throughout my Jewish and professional life. My work was very engaging and this was a very positive experience all around.”
Brad Klein- Millburn, NJ- Intern at the New Jersey Jewish News