“Amazing.” “Incredible.” “A once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

That’s how Chicago-area JSU teen leaders described the one-on-one visit they had in early November with President and CEO of the Chicago Bulls Michael Reinsdorf.

The teens enjoyed a kosher dinner with Mr. Reinsdorf at the United Center and then watched the Bulls game from his private box.

Over dinner, Mr. Reinsdorf shared his experience and wisdom on several topics.

If you want to succeed in business, he told the teens, “Don’t take shortcuts.”

He also urged them to make the time for personal development. “I advise my kids to take a gap year to learn and grow,” he said.

Perhaps what resonated most with the teens was Mr. Reinsdorf’s experiences as a Jew post-October 7th, and how he has faced the same type of antisemitism many of them have faced on their public school campuses.

“It was so impactful to hear about [Mr. Reinsdorf’s] life as a Jew in the business and sports industry, and to be able to connect as Jews over what we’ve gone through this past year,” says Baylee Horwitz, a junior at Vernon Hills High School.

Liora Kalinvoskiy, a junior at Glenbrook North High School, agrees.

“[Mr. Reinsdorf’s] insight on the situation was super helpful, [as was his] advice for the future with college,” she says. “I think talking to [Mr. Reinsdorf] as youth leaders of our Jewish communities was super productive and helpful for own actions moving forward, considering the situation [with antisemitism and Israel.”]

Mr. Reinsdorf also spoke to the teens about the importance of being connected to one’s Judaism.

“You have to stand for something. You need to have faith in something,” Mr. Reinsdorf told the teens.

For Daniel Mudrik, also a junior at Glenbrook North High School, that was the evening’s biggest takeaway.

“[The meeting] gave me a different perspective on what effects religion can really have on someone – it can give you meaning; it can give you purpose,” says Daniel. “For that, I’m eternally grateful.”