Hillel Board Presidents’ Challenge

Wayne

As immediate past president, I have seen firsthand how Hillel of San Diego has grown to meet the increasing demands from the Jewish students across our four San Diego campuses.

I’m so proud of how far we’ve come, but much work still needs to be done! Student participation doubled last year and has increased by an additional 20% already this year.

On the heels of Mitch Siegler’s Presidents’ Challenge, I’m pleased to share that Mitch Siegler, Todd Kirschen, David Michan, Emily Jennewein, and I have been joined by other past Hillel of San Diego board presidents Herb Solomon, Steve Solomon, Joel Smith, Hollie Bierman, Bob Lapidus, Michael Breslauer, Jane Scher, and Judy Gumbiner to challenge our community to match our increased annual gifts and raise $175,000 by midnight, December 31st!

Naomi and I have been longtime supporters of Hillel, but now, we all must step up even more. We give to Hillel because Jewish continuity matters to us. Hillel impacts Jewish students beyond their four years of college.

Hillel’s Board Presidents’ will match your gift dollar-for-dollar. Please join us in building a brighter Jewish future.

With sincere appreciation,

Wayne

Other Stories From Hillel

What Could Go Right?

December 8, 2025

As we help kick off Hillel of San Diego’s year-end fundraiser, I can’t help but reflect on the moment that first made me and Sheava believe in this important work. It was the day the Glickman Hillel Center at UCSD opened its doors after twenty years of persistence. I saw what it means for Jewish young adults to have a place they can count on, and what a community can accomplish together. That is why Sheava and I became supporters, and why we remain committed as Hillel of San Diego has grown into one of the most impactful Hillels in the country.

This one is worth opening – I promise!

December 2, 2025

I know you’ve likely gotten a ton of emails today, but I had to send one on behalf of Hillel of San Diego! This is Noa (SDSU, Class of ‘28), and we’re down to the wire on Giving Tuesday. The $25,000 donor match is about to disappear, and we hope donors like you are racing to grab the final funds! We’re SO close to hitting our goal.

It’s Waylon – We need to talk

December 2, 2025

I wanted to reach out today, on Giving Tuesday, to share my story with you. Last fall, I arrived at UCSD knowing literally no one. Finding my community at Hillel of San Diego not only changed my college experience, it changed my life. Thanks to your past generosity, I found a place where I could be unapologetically Jewish, make friends at Shabbat, and step up as a leader.

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