Shabbat at Hillel

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Shabbat at Hillel is something everyone should experience. There is a palpable spark of energy. It’s a magic you can’t really describe but you can 100% feel. This year, after over a year of virtual Shabbats, the feeling is even more special. Holy really. It’s recharging and energizing – a great end to a hectic week and an important reminder that we are each part of something bigger.

This year, we are feeding around 500 students meals at our Shabbats each month. That’s 500 moments with hungry young people whose only opportunity for a home cooked meal might be when they come to Hillel on a Friday night. That’s 500 moments young people who discover they aren’t alone. That’s 500 moments with young people who will be our future Jewish community leaders. It’s the one day a week where every single student is reminded of their inherent value and can just come as they are.

Per usual, this week we are hosting THREE SHABBATS across San Diego. At San Diego State we are hosting an allyship Shabbat in partnership with the Black Resource Center and Asian Pacific Islander American Resource Center. At UCSD we are celebrating diversity within the Jewish community through a Mizrahi Shabbat. At USD, we are hosting a Shabbat that celebrates each student’s unique experience. And while there is no Shabbat this week at CSUSM, we will see our San Marcos students join their friends at other campuses (don’t worry they have some awesome experiences just for them coming up!). At Hillel of San Diego, we reach students across the entire city — it’s a big operation and we love it!

As we enter Thanksgiving, we want to express so much gratitude to this wonderful community that embraces our young people and recognizes the value in investing in their future. We want to invite each of you to come to a Hillel Shabbat this year, feel the holiness that you fuel through your generosity, and get a taste of home away from home at Hillel. I want you to feel that palpable spark of energy that comes from doing so much good for others.

 

Other Stories From Hillel

Sam’s Leap: From Seeker to Leader

May 9, 2025

“Studying Torah at Hillel was a great opportunity to meet a wide variety of Jewish graduate students, experience some of the diversity within Judaism, and develop strong, trusting relationships.” – Sam, UCSD Class of 2025

Read Now: Ellia’s Story and Night Shuk

May 8, 2025

“Hillel gave me a platform through Tritons for Israel. I spoke at student government meetings and wrote three articles. Hillel made that possible.” – Ellia, UCSD Class of 2025

There’s No One Way to Be Jewish

May 7, 2025

“Through Hillel, I found a Jewish community of people my age where real connection came naturally—and where friendships felt deep, genuine, and lasting.” – Ava, USD Class of 2025

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