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. Jewish life on campus is being shaped right now across San Diego. At UCSD, SDSU, USD, and CSUSM, Jewish students are navigating a more complex and challenging environment than many of us experienced, even as they seek joy, connection, and pride in their Jewish identity. The responsibility to support them belongs to all of us. If not us, who? Last week, we heard from the Wax and Michan families as they helped launch Hillel of San Diego’s effort to raise $500,000 by December 31st, the first $50,000 of which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by an anonymous donor. Inspired by their leadership and by our own family before us, we are proud to join them in ensuring this effort sustains the momentum it demands right now.

Our grandparents believed that the strength of the Jewish future depends on investing in young people, and that Hillel is where that investment takes root. Two generations later, we can say with certainty: Hillel of San Diego continues to be a cornerstone of Jewish life on campus, growing and evolving with the changing needs of today’s students.

When we think back on our own Hillel journeys at the University of Miami and USC, we remember holiday celebrations far from family yet feeling completely at home. That same sense of belonging continues at Hillel through Shabbat and holiday gatherings that ground students in Jewish life. Today, however, Hillel of San Diego offers far more, reaching nearly 75% of Jewish college students in San Diego. It has grown and changed to include services never before needed – from a full-time wellness counselor and a dedicated department addressing antisemitism and coalition-building, to a deep commitment to student safety and security at all times.

This is not our grandparents’ Hillel, or even the Hillel we knew as students. It is a dynamic, ever-growing organization built to meet the realities facing Jewish students today. And that evolution is not accidental. It is the result of sustained leadership and investment from those who believe Jewish life on campus must be both rooted in tradition and responsive to the moment.

That leadership and investment? It comes from people like our grandparents. People like us. People like you. We are both committed to continuing to take care of Jewish students through our support of Hillel. Will you join us?

Sincerely,
Shana Weisman & Sammy Weisman