It’s Waylon – We need to talk

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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.

Your continued support is what makes this welcoming Jewish home possible for me and the more than 3,000 students on campus just when we need it most.

Today, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 by an anonymous donor! This Giving Tuesday, you have the power to DOUBLE the warmth and belonging Hillel provides. Every dollar you give goes straight toward empowering students like me to find success on campus and beyond.

With Hillel by my side, I felt validated and empowered to lead as a first-year student. With your support, I’m building a permanent legacy for my friends and future Jewish San Diegans.

  • I launched FYSH (First Year Students of Hillel), an initiative now serving nearly 80 Jewish students, creating a space for new students to find connection in a busy world.
  • I grew into a campus leader, joining Tritons for Israel and finding college and career inspiration through our Jewish Networking Hub.
  • And now? I’m launching Triton Jewish Life to bring Jewish life visibly onto campus!

This work is right at the heart and soul of Hillel’s mission. The lasting impact of their work starts with students just like me, strengthening my Jewish identity and spirit. Your support ensures this vital infrastructure continues, fostering Jewish pride and leadership for years to come.

Will you take advantage of this 2X match and renew your support and help secure the future of Jewish life?

Thank you for supporting me and San Diego’s Jewish students!

Waylon, UCSD ‘28

Other Stories From Hillel

Guess Who’s Back? Back Again. Hillel’s Back. Tell A Friend.

September 16, 2024

On Friday, we celebrated the Melvin Garb Hillel Center’s 10 Year Anniversary at Shabbat with students and some special guests. We hosted a tour of the beautiful center with students who shared how each of the spaces impacted their Jewish experience. Students shared the business plans they created in the Sophie and Arthur Brody Library and the Jewish women’s club, Achayot, explained that they are working to establish an AEPhi Chapter at SDSU in the Harold R. Stern Student Leadership Room.

In Case You Were Wondering

August 29, 2024

Jewish pride and Jewish joy is alive and well at Hillel of San Diego! Over 200 students kicked off the start of the new school year at Hillel, thanks to YOU!

🌷 A tulip for Passover this year

April 17, 2024

Everything is different. Everything is the same. As we enter a holiday that reminds us to look to Jerusalem, welcome the stranger, and remember our heritage, one can’t help but think how this year feels different, especially on campus. Yet Hillel of San Diego is a constant—deeply committed to supporting Jewish life for our collective future. And so, I invite us to think about a new set of four questions for our Hillel Passover this year.

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