Shidduch (n) The act of connecting one to their bashert, or destiny, or soul mate.
It’s something Hillel of San Diego is actually very good at. And no, I’m not talking about getting college students connected to their future partners– well, we are pretty good at that too.
I am talking about connections we make for students to their passions. To their future. To their community. The shidduch between a student and a mentor that ensures their career takes off. The shidduch which connects four student leaders who then, together, create amazing impact. This year, we established the Jewish Networking Hub. It’s a way to connect all Jewish students to community members and alumni for future internships, jobs, mentorships, and more. It’s a way for Hillel to ensure that students who come to Hillel are more connected to their Jewish community and more empowered to be successful adults- making a difference in the world around them. This past week we hosted our second Jewish Networking Hub event with nearly 200 students, community members, and alumni. It was inspiring to see because there were so many connections being made. Students to community members. Alumni to Alumni. Community members to each other– it was a shidduch of epic proportions and a value Hillel is able to provide. If you’re interested in becoming a mentor or attending our next Jewish Networking Hub event, you can register here.
We also connect students to their passion. You’ve heard me say it many times and I will say it again, we make students' dreams come true.
Peace in Israel Week presented by the Jules and Gwen Knapp Family is fast approaching. Mark your calendars for May 13th, and May 14th. This year, our students dreamed of TWO headlining events that will educate, inspire, and connect the UCSD community. When I tell you, we are fulfilling the dreams of our student leaders, I mean it– the four fierce Tritons for Israel leaders literally cornered me at our Annual Leadership Retreat begging me to bring these speakers. And you know what I said:
Hillel will make it happen.
Because that’s what we do. And, because Hillel is simply the conduit for community members to support Jewish students, YOU are helping make it happen.
Thanks in large part to the Jules and Gwen Knapp Family, as well as other sponsors and generous Hillel donors like you, we are able to host two amazing headliners, and we are inviting the community to show up and support our students:
- “Holy Land, Unholy Comedy,” featuring world-renowned Israeli stand-up comedian Yohay Sponder, Tuesday, May 13, 7:00 p.m., Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD campus, RSVP here. Yohay will make you laugh but you’ll leave having learned too!
- “Bridging the Divide,” a conversation with Yossi Klein Halevi, best-selling author of Letters to my Palestinian Neighbor on Wednesday, May 14, 7:00 p.m., Price Center Theater, UCSD campus, RSVP here.
We only have a few community spots left for both events so if you plan to join, please register today! Both events will sell out!
We also will host our annual Jewish Shuk on Thursday May 15th on UCSD’s Library walk where we will have over 20 student-run booths featuring Jewish food from all around the world. This is a perfect example of our JOYFUL advocacy. At each booth, we explain the Jewish community from Ethiopia, Mexico, Russia, etc. and their connection to Israel...and there is a lot of good food! We serve over 3,000 people at the shuk and find this event truly educates the broader university community about the rich and diverse Jewish experience in a meaningful way.
Yesterday was Yom HaShoah. I can’t help but imagine the millions of Jews whose lives were stolen, looking down with pride—seeing today’s students embracing Jewish joy, leading with strength, and building vibrant Jewish communities.
There is a lot of good and positive work happening on our college campuses which serves to counteract the continuing antisemitism we are fighting, thanks to your generous support. It is an honor to be your connection to the next generation, here at Hillel of San Diego.
Shabbat Shalom, Karen
