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

After Hillel, Where Do Students Go?

April 27, 2022

We want students to leave our doors more equipped to connect to the next stage of their Jewish journey. That may be at a synagogue or going off to serve as leaders at Federation, the JCC, or ADL. We envision they will build donor advised funds with JCF, and volunteer at JFS…. simply to be connected to meaningful Jewish life through any and all organizations that help them continue to nurture their own Jewish identities.

Grow! Grow! Grow!

April 1, 2022

So much is happening at Hillel right now. This year, there has been a constant theme – we are growing… fast! We are seeing more young people connect to the Jewish community through Hillel of San Diego than ever before.

Building a Resilient Generation

March 14, 2022

In Deuteronomy 4:9 as we are given our final instructions, we are reminded to “take utmost care and watch yourselves scrupulously so that you do not forget what you saw with your own eyes…” In this moment, Moses teaches us to take care of ourselves so that we do not forget who we are. We were in the wilderness and we were resilient.

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