(Courtesy of JFSCNJ) Jewish Family Service of Central NJ is privileged to have Sam Wexler of Westfield as an intern this month through the SeniorITIS Program of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. A rising senior at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, Sam has utilized his many talents to perform multiple tasks at the JFSCNJ Charlotte Shak Food Pantry from managing the food pantry’s log spreadsheet to helping move food into the newly built storage facility, and also working in the Agency’s urban vegetable garden.

An honor roll student at Pingry, Sam has an interest in the field of computer science, already having represented Pingry in Lockheed Martin’s Code Quest programming competition. He also participated in McGill’s 2020 Neuroscience Summer Academy and helped revive Pingry’s Humanities Center where he serves as a French peer tutor.

Sam has previously spent his summers working at Camp Yachad at the JCC of Scotch Plains and teaching martial arts. He is an assistant instructor at the Satori Academy of Martial Arts in Cranford, having achieved his First Degree Black Belt at the age of 14.

A co-leader of Pingry’s Jewish Affinity Group, Sam came to SeniorITIS somewhat unexpectedly. He explained that “my friend actually introduced me to the program. I immediately knew it was perfect for me since I could get real-world working experience while furthering my Jewish education, something I’m very passionate about.”

When asked about his time at JFS, Sam commented that “I’ve really enjoyed my time here. Not only have I learned so much about gardening and the inner workings of a food pantry, but I truly feel like I’ve been able to make an impact in my community by working here. I look forward to returning whenever I can!”

For more information about the Jewish Teen Experience Network of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, contact Rabbi Yoni Glatt at [email protected] or 973-929-2975. Contact [email protected] for volunteer opportunities at JFSCNJ.