Sam’s story

“The biggest excuse that young professionals make is that we’re so busy – in our careers, in our dating life. I think people who want to make time for things make time for things. If you show them it’s a really worthy endeavor, they’ll find time for anything.”

I grew up in Bnei Akiva, a religious Zionist youth movement. That was an impetus for me to take on leadership roles, even going into the Israeli army and being a commander. So after I came to New York City for college, I became a co-founder of BAbayit, their hub for Orthodox young professionals on the Upper West Side.

UJA’s been the best partner, whether collaborating on Yom Ha’Atzmaut events or monthly lectures in the neighborhood.

I’ve learned you can do a lot with your time. People just need to be shown how. The biggest excuse that young professionals make is that we’re so busy — in our careers, in our dating life. I think people who want to make time for things make time for things. If you show them it’s a really worthy endeavor, they’ll find time for anything.

Sam Meyer lives in Manhattan and makes time for the UJA Upper West Side Initiative.