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

Why Hillel of San Diego Matters Right Now

December 19, 2025

As we enter the final days of Hillel of San Diego’s year-end efforts to raise $500,000 by December 31, our family is proud to stand with this community and publicly join this effort to strengthen Jewish life on San Diego’s campuses. We do so while holding two truths at once. We are celebrating the light and resilience of Hanukkah, even as we grieve the tragedies and violence that have shaken Jewish communities in recent days. Joy and heartbreak coexist. For Jewish students, that tension is not abstract but rather something they are navigating every day on campus

Not Our Grandparents’ Hillel

December 17, 2025

When we were children, our grandparents posed a simple but enduring question: If the Jewish people don’t take care of the Jewish people, who will? That question inspired our parents to lead and to give, and today, as third-generation Hillel supporters, it sits squarely before us.

A Proud Night for Hillel of San Diego

December 16, 2025

Hillel of San Diego and its CEO, Karen Parry, were honored with multiple excellence awards at Hillel International’s 2025 Global Assembly (HIGA) in Boston this week, earning recognition among a global network of 850 Hillels. The awards were presented by Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, during its annual conference which brought together more than 1,200 campus leaders, supporters, and sponsors from around the world to celebrate leadership, innovation, and commitment to Jewish life.

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