Celebrate A Student Like Ali Today!

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Our next story is about a Queen Esther at USD Hillel.

Meet Ali. She is one of our super-star students who found herself and her community this year. 

Even though she is a first-year student, Ali was chosen to participate in Hillel’s premier Leadership Retreat which brings together a handful of the top student leaders from each of Hillel of San Diego’s campuses to build leadership skills and map a vision for the Jewish experiences they want. 

“During the Havdalah service (at the retreat), we were all in a circle, singing, and it was a WOW moment for me. I realized that I love this more than anything and it hit me how powerful having a Jewish community can be.I made friends from all of the San Diego campuses. It’s opened up a world of possibilities for me.”

Give to Grow Jewish Connections

“Hillel is my perfect outlet! It gives me the Jewish community I want and the Jewish life I crave. I can share my creative ideas and know that the Hillel staff will listen and do everything possible to support me and the other USD student leaders so we can bring them to life.

Jewish life is what I’m passionate about. It fulfills me. I wouldn’t have this without Hillel.”

Empower Future Jewish Leaders


“I’m not afraid to show my Jewish identity on campus. Because of Hillel, I’m proud to tell people I’m Jewish. I tell everyone, Hillel is where you will feel supported and empowered.“

Strengthen Jewish Pride


P.S. Help students grow as leaders by making a gift by this Friday, March 14th. You can pledge now and send your gift later by check, through your DAF, IRA account, or by gifting stock. Hillel of San Diego’s Tax ID# is 33-0519225, and our office address is 5717 Lindo Paseo, San Diego, CA 92115. Please contact me at lkalal@hillelsd.org or 619-764-5992 with any questions.

Other Stories From Hillel

Hey, it’s up to YOU

January 29, 2024

Last night at the Welcome Back BBQ, students planted their legacy tree in the backyard to memorialize those lost on October 7th and in the war. SDSU President Adela de la Torre was in attendance and spoke about how students were able to show up as leaders and leave a lasting legacy on their community through Hillel.

Supporting Students and Learning Together in 2024

January 12, 2024

Welcome to 2024! As we launch into the second half of our year, we continue to be hyper-focused on supporting students. This is done through a multitude of strategies.

First and foremost, we focus on imbuing pride in being Jewish. That looks like joyful shabbats, social bonfires, opportunities for lots of laughing…and lots of good food. Programs of joy are possible BECAUSE you support Hillel. Your generosity funds their joy.

What will Hillel look like in 2024?

December 28, 2023

“Dos pintele yid, ‘that little point of a Jew,’ refers to that spark of Jewishness in each of us that we can’t quite manage to ignore, no matter how hard we may try,” writes Sarah Hurwitz.

Dos pintele yid has been on our minds at Hillel every day, especially now. Our organization has radically expanded after October 7th. This is not a crisis. This is the new normal, and what it means to be Jewish on campus has also changed.

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