Heart of Hillel: Brad & Karen

Shuman family
This Month, It’s All About YOU

Dear Friends of Hillel of San Diego,

We’re turning the spotlight on the people who make Hillel possible for Jewish students — our incredible donors. Hillel of San Diego could not support students the way we do, at the scale we do (over 3,000 a year!) without your generosity, partnership, and care. You are the heart of this organization.

This month, we’re celebrating the community that makes Hillel thrive — by highlighting a few of the amazing people who make it all possible.

Meet Brad & Karen

Brad and Karen’s story is one of legacy, family, and deep belief in the power of Jewish community.

Brad, an SDSU alumnus from the Class of ’79, often thinks about how meaningful a Hillel presence would have been during his own college years. Though he didn’t have that experience himself, he and Karen are proud that their children now do.

All three of their children attended SDSU, and each has found belonging and Jewish joy within the walls of Hillel of San Diego.
“Hillel has been such a special gathering place for all of our kids — Becca, Jacob, and Joshua — and thousands of others. The organization fosters a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for everyone who walks through its doors.” — Brad & Karen

Parents like Brad and Karen are the cornerstone of Hillel’s strength. Their generosity and trust make it possible for us to open our doors every day to provide Jewish students with meals, meaningful Shabbat experiences, leadership opportunities, immersive travel experiences, and more.

When parents give to Hillel, they aren’t just supporting their own children. They’re building a community that uplifts every Jewish student — helping them grow into confident, connected Jewish leaders.

“During challenging times, Hillel has provided a true sense of comfort and community. The wellness counselors have gone above and beyond to support students through sensitive and difficult moments, helping make the Hillel building feel like a safe and caring home away from home.” — Brad & Karen

Brad and Karen are remarkable, and they’re not alone. They’re part of a community of hundreds of parents and family members who ensure that Jewish students across San Diego have a place to go and a family by their side, no matter what.

To Brad, Karen, and each of YOU — thank you for making everything we do possible.

With gratitude,

Lisa Kalal
Senior Advancement Officer
Hillel of San Diego

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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