Getting lost—and found—in a book

Part of the magic and impact of JUF’s Lewis Summer Intern Program is its focus not only on professional development, but Jewish identity. One of the activities to further this outcome is the cohort book club. Interns split into small groups, selecting from a variety of novels and meeting throughout the summer to discuss. The selected novels have spanned every topic from contemporary Jewish life to the history of the State of Israel.

This past summer, participating interns read the more light-hearted Have you Seen Luis Velez by Catherine Ryan Hyde, while others investigated the depths of antisemitism with Dara Horn’s People Love Dead Jews .

One new addition to the roster was Lee Yaron’s 10/7: 100 Human Stories , which chronicles the events of October 7 through interviews with survivors, bereaved families, and first responders. After reading the book myself and introducing it to the cohort, we discussed that the book may not be for every participant, and how that was okay. This book was unquestionably a tough read, and something that I had to put down multiple times.

Six 2025 Lewis Summer Interns read 10/7: 100 Human Stories . They discussed their own emotional responses to the book, how trauma is processed, their responsibilities as readers, and so much more. I was blown away by not only their empathy and understanding, but maturity in dealing with topics that many avoid. Several of the book club members had visited some of the towns mentioned, whether it was on Birthright, a volunteer trip, or to see family. Much of what they learned from the novel was devastating, but eye-opening.

More than two years since October 7, Jewish students in the diaspora are still feeling its effects. Spaces where they once felt safe to express their Jewish and Zionist identities may no longer feel that way. Entering the secular American workforce as a young Jewish professional is undoubtedly different today than pre-October 7. JUF’s Hillels of Illinois and Lewis Summer Intern Program gives students the opportunity to learn in a pluralistic environment and how to face some of the challenges of being Jewish in American society today.

When thinking about what Jewish students need, I think one of the most crucial things is a space where they feel secure and comfortable. Despite the support most of our students feel in their daily lives, many remarked that the LSIP Book Club was a place to be more honest and open than usual. Talking about Israel, its complexities, and the tragedies our community has faced is hard to do, but even harder to find those to do it with-especially for Gen Z.

Applications for the 2026 Hillels of Illinois Harriet and Maurice Lewis Family Summer Intern Program will open Nov. 24. Current college students: being an emerging professional is not without its challenges, but the Jewish community is here. We look forward to working with so many of you, and seeing what exactly you need professionally, personally, and Jewishly to enter this next phase.

Sophie Friedman is Program Manager for JUF College Internships.