What did they do this summer? A lot of good

All of the 2026 Lewis Summer Interns.

JUF’s Lewis Summer Intern Program (LSIP) is an eight-week internship placing a cohort of college-aged students at Jewish workplaces across the Chicago metropolitan area. Established in 1987 by the late Harriet Gerber Lewis, LSIP has spent almost four decades cultivating the next generation of Jewish communal leaders. As the LSIP Program Assistant, I had the privilege of working with the 2026 cohort of 39 incredible interns who gained various experiences in professional development, Jewish community, and personal growth. 

These young professionals are changing the world already. The range and diversity of their experiences demonstrate that no matter what one’s skills or interests are, they can be used to help those in need. In the short eight weeks they worked with their respective organizations, they have made an indelible impact.  

I’ve been lucky enough to work with the interns highlighted here, as well as the rest of this exceptional cohort. I have learned from them and grown with them, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next. 

Thank you to each organization that participated in LSIP this year. Without your partnership and dedication, LSIP could not exist and have the impact it does.  

~Ania Sacks 

We asked five of this summer’s interns to answer two questions: What have you learned this summer, and how do you feel your work matters?”  

Here’s what they shared… 

Chloe Ohana – The Ark, Marketing  

I learned how to tailor marketing and communication strategies to effectively engage many different audiences and communities. Beyond that, I have had the chance to connect more deeply with The Ark’s mission, through many incredible opportunities.  

Volunteering in the food pantry and packing orders for those in need makes the concept of the pantry that much more real. Listening to the story of one of the local Holocaust survivors reminds me of the chilling dangers of antisemitism today. Also, helping out at Camp Ramah Day Camp and JCC Camp Apachi has helped me to better understand the Jewish day camp communities that partner with The Ark. 

I hope I have not only gained the technical and interpersonal skills to help me in my future career, but that I’ve been a kind team member in the marketing department, a compassionate employee at The Ark, and a caring member of the greater Chicago Jewish community. I hope I have done my small part to repair my little corner of the world.  

Lev Kotler-Berkowitz – Jaszczuk P.C. (Legal services) 

I have gained a deeper understanding of the legal profession, observing court hearings and various stages of litigation, learning about the importance of the relationships among attorneys, opposing counsel, and judges; and getting a feel for how professional dynamics shape the course of a case.  

I’ve also been able to contribute to a case important to Jews, Zionists, and all those impacted by terrorism. The case, Boim v. American Muslims for Palestine, seeks to hold organizations alleged to have supported Hamas accountable under U.S. law. I’ve learned about the network that supports Hamas within the United States. This has been incredibly meaningful to me.  Knowing that this case has the potential to provide justice for the Boim family and to establish a precedent that could hold supporters of terrorism accountable has made my work feel genuinely impactful, and it has reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career where I can contribute to meaningful work. 

Ava Marcus – Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics  

This summer has reinforced my desire to pursue a career where I can make a direct, positive impact on the lives of others. Advocating for genetic screening and cancer testing has allowed me to promote the health of the Jewish community, and develop the skills I need to become a compassionate future healthcare professional.  

One of the most fulfilling parts of my internship has been learning how to communicate genetic knowledge—information that is inherently dense and technical—in an accessible and digestible fashion. The possibility of a genetic test result that may introduce life-altering uncertainty can be intimidating, and I am grateful to be part of a team that gives the resources, support, and clarity people need to move forward.  

My experience has strengthened what I believe to be true about the Jewish people: We care deeply and show up for each other when it comes to our well-being. Being involved in efforts to engage synagogues, schools, and other organizations in genetic education has shown me how much more good we can do together, rather than alone. This collaborative effort for a greater societal cause is the kind of impact I want to prioritize, wherever I go next.  

Mallory Gansberg – No Shame On U  

I have developed a strong foundation in organizational and presentation skills, community outreach, project coordination and management, grant research, and day-to-day administrative operations.  

More importantly, I have learned how much of a difference a supportive community can make for someone struggling with their mental health. No Shame On U makes an impact by teaching people that “it’s okay not to be okay” and providing resources for those who are struggling. We also support the people who are supporting young people (ages 11-25) with mental illness, because they deserve support too. There is a strong stigma surrounding mental health, and it often prevents people from reaching out for information or asking for the help they need.  

Through the events I’ve been a part of, I’ve heard people share how much this organization has helped them, and how important our message is. Those conversations have shown me that No Shame On U is making a real difference by helping people feel seen, supported, and less alone. Knowing that my work has contributed to that mission has made this internship incredibly meaningful, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it this summer.  

Addie Stillman – Repair the World Chicago  

This summer taught me that meaningful change starts with relationships, service, and a shared sense of purpose. As an intern, I supported suburban outreach in the North Shore, created Jewish learning resources for Mishkan Chicago’s Rosh Chodesh (new month) gatherings, designed marketing materials, improved internal systems, and helped plan volunteer programs and events.  

Some of my favorite moments included packing hygiene kits during a happy hour, assembling to-go meals at Base Logan Square, and writing letters to children in hospitals.  

Beyond the projects, I learned the importance of meeting people where they are, and creating opportunities to connect through service.  

Some of my most valuable experiences came from conversations with volunteers and colleagues across the country, each offering different perspectives on community, justice, and Jewish life.  These experiences deepened my understanding of tikkun olam, repairing the world, a Jewish value I’ve always been passionate about. My work matters because every connection, resource, and event helps make service more accessible, meaningful, and lasting.  

If you are a college student interested in participating in LSIP next summer, please keep an eye out for applications for the 2027 program opening in November. If your organization is interested in hosting an intern next summer, please reach out to Sophie Friedman at [email protected].