DOROT’s Young Professionals Group

DOROT’s Young Professional’s group is comprised of volunteers in their 20’s and early 30’s who volunteer together at DOROT programs. The group also runs special intergenerational programs open to all young professionals seeking to connect with seniors. Some events like our annual happy hour emphasize social connections with one another.

  DOROT on the AARP Blog—written by Young Professionals Leadership Circle member Laura Hahn

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner brings together seniors and young professionals for small, casual dinner parties. The meals take place in the senior’s homes. Our hope is to make it easy for older and younger adults to get together and enjoy one another’s company.
Past Programs
Bringing Yom Haatzmaut to the Homes of DOROT Seniors A new DOROT tradition began Sunday, April 14th, when 17 young professional volunteers who recently traveled to Israel visited with DOROT seniors who were born or lived in Israel/pre–State Palestine in celebration of Yom Haatzmaut, Israel Independence Day. Volunteers first gathered at DOROT for an orientation and light Israeli brunch, then assembled food packages to bring to the seniors they were visiting. The Israel–themed items included sugar–free halva, hummus, fresh pita, couscous, sardines and wafers from Israel, sahlab (a sweet, vanilla–flavored drink popular in Israel), clementines, a card made by a child at a local Hebrew school, and a poem by renowned Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai. The program, called Bringing Israel Home, was meaningful for everyone involved. The volunteers, many were recent participants in Birthright Israel, which sponsors first–time visits to Israel for young Jewish adults, were delighted to share their newfound enthusiasm about Israel with like–minded seniors. For the seniors, “it was wonderful to connect to a volunteer who speaks Hebrew and shares the love of Israel that I have,” one said. “It was a new way to celebrate Yom Haatzmaut. She brought me such joy on this wonderful holiday.” A volunteer also marveled that “just a simple visit to listen to these women chat about their lives and families is enough to make their day.” Bringing Israel Home was convened by The JCC in Manhattan in collaboration with and funded by UJA–Federation of New York. It was coordinated by members of DOROT’s Young Professional Leadership Circle and JCC of Manhattan — Birthright Passport.
Passover Package Delivery On Sunday, March 17th, 2013, at 11:30am the DOROT Young Professionals and participated in DOROT’s Passover Package Delivery. Young professionals were matched up with a senior and had a meaningful visit. One participant said “It’s very important to me to be involved in the community that I live and work in. This Passover delivery has been the most rewarding and engaging. Thank you Dorot for enabling me to make a difference!”
Olé DOROT On Sunday, March 3rd, DOROT Young Professional volunteers and seniors gathered for a lively intergenerational event with special performances and instruction by Ballet Hispanico. Older and younger participants danced the bachata, merengue, and salsa, and were treated to an impromptu tango lesson. One senior said, “I have not felt that glorious dancing feeling in many years. Thank you for giving me that feeling back.” After an exhilarating day, the volunteers and seniors departed with roses in hand and colorful memories to share. The event was organized by DOROT’s Young Professional Leadership Circle. We would like to thank UJA Federation for their generous funding for this program. Read Young Professionals Leadership Circle member Laura Hahn’s blog post (with videos!) about this event.
Winter Package Delivery On Sunday, January 13th, 2013, DOROT Young Professionals, hosted by Leadership Circle members, Shoshana Rudnick and Aviva Zablocki, participated in Winter Package Delivery. All twenty two young professionals were matched up with a senior and had a meaningful visit. One participant said “The day was very well organized, and it was immediately clear that the seniors we visited were very appreciative to have visitors.”
Intergenerational Cookie Baking The sweet smell wafting through DOROT was only one sign of the Young Professionals Cookie Baking Event under way. Another was the ring of laughter as seven “mixed” teams of seniors and young professional volunteers created their own cookie recipes, getting to know each other along the way. The results were entered in a “Cookie Throwdown” whose judges, selected by lottery, each made a point of tasting every team’s entry. After the winner was announced, the participants enjoyed lunch and headed home, taking with them happy memories and the whimsical aprons they had worn during the baking. Many thanks to Cara Rosenblum, a member of DOROT’s Young Professionals Leadership Circle, and her father, Alex Rosenblum, for designing and donating the aprons.
Intergenerational Game Day 45 seniors and volunteers enjoyed an intergenerational “Game Day” hosted by DOROT’s Young Professionals Leadership Circle. The event’s emcee, professional magician and entertainer Josh Beckerman, led the participants in lively rounds of bingo and trivia, with a bagel brunch in between. The winning teams received prizes, and one lucky raffle winner received a beauty basket. Everyone went home with a parting gift, and the seniors received photos taken at the event. Volunteers and seniors alike were enthusiastic about making new friends from both age groups. One senior proclaimed the program “a real ‘upper,’” while a volunteer provided this summary: “Fun time, great games, amazing seniors…outstanding organization.”
Happy Hour DOROT’s Young Professionals held their annual happy hour on March 10th at SideBar. It was a great evening and we introduced many new people to DOROT!
Meet the DOROT Young Professional Leadership Circle Shoshana Rudnick Cara Rosenblum Shira Cohen Aviva Zablocki Laura Hahn Eric Sherman
DOROT’s Young Professional Leadership Circle is a dedicated team of exemplary young professionals who are energized and dedicated to DOROT’s mission. Its members, professionals in diverse areas from the financial sector to not–for–profits, are passionate leaders who recruit volunteers and plan intergenerational activities. The Leadership Circle works diligently to advocate for DOROT in the greater community and assists in garnering support, financial and otherwise, for DOROT. Sign up to receive our emails for upcoming events.

Contact Us Rebecca Zinger Coordinator of Adult Volunteer Programs rzinger@dorotusa.org