BronLetter to My First-Year Self — Joseph Zeuner
Dear Joseph,
Remember when you visited NYU and it happened to be the weekend of this thing called Shabbat for 2000 so you went? You didn’t know it then, but that was the start of your Jewish journey at the Bronfman Center and that thing called Shabbat for 2000 would end up becoming a really important part of your college experience. While it takes many different forms, the core throughout all four years continues to be bringing together community, and each year you learn different lessons along the way.
Freshman year by being a table captain and attendee of Shabbat for 2000 you start to get more connected to the Hillel community. Continue to push yourself outside your comfort zone and put yourself in new spaces, you meet people who become good friends and experience cool things.
Sophomore year you will get roped into being the Vice-Chair of Havdalah Under the Stars. You become known as Sir H2K and play a key role in bringing together 1,600 people to come together and celebrate community. You learn so much about teamwork, organization, community building, and make great friends and experiences along the way.
Junior year Shabbat for 2000 almost didn’t happen. The program has to be online due to COVID, it can’t be during Shabbat, and students need to be met where they are at. With the help of some other students, you organize an event centered around rest, wellness, and taking a break. You see it through with hard work, determination, and creativity and while it was unique, the tradition of S2K continued on through a global pandemic.
Senior year it will be time to take a step back. To continue the legacy and traditions of Shabbat for 2000 you take a more hands-off approach to let others lead. You will learn the lessons of how to leave a legacy and make an impact on a community while allowing rising community leaders to take the lead. It will be difficult to let others take charge but many lessons are learned and there is something really special to see others become so passionate about something you care deeply about.
Best,
Joseph
