Let’s be real, we live where people vacation. San Diego is the best city in the world, and we all know it. And word has gotten out. San Diego is attracting the next generation of Jewish adults.
But are we giving them reasons to stay?
With 55% of recent Jewish newcomers between the ages of 18 and 34, the opportunity is extraordinary. Yet attracting young adults is not the same as setting roots here. Building a thriving Jewish future requires connecting young people to a community they want to call home.
Step 1: Help them fall in love with San Diego.
This year, we wanted students to feel connected not just to their campus but to our incredible city and community. So nearly 150 students joined us for a Day at the Bay, experiencing a perfect San Diego day on the water, meeting new friends from all four campuses, and feeling what it’s like to be a San Diegan.
By exposing students to the city outside of campus (or the typical going-out spots), we’re opening their eyes to what could be.
The feedback was unanimous. One student summed it up perfectly: “It was the best day of my year.”
And insider tip—this is strategic. These are core memory-forming experiences anchored in a place with their Jewish community. That’s what helps someone decide where they want to live. And we’re doing that in real time.
Step 2: Find their people
Our secret sauce. I’ve mentioned it before, but again, belonging is what we do. Students come for the vibes, but they stay for the friends because no one sits alone. They find their people and they learn that the Jewish community right here is their community too.
The numbers speak for themselves. Nearly 1,400 students have engaged in Jewish life with Hillel this year—33% more than last year by this time, with 42% more first-year students!
At some point, we will max out—there are only so many students. But every year, I think we’ve hit our max, and still, we continue to be the fastest-growing Hillel in the country.
Step 3: Build their future here. (And this is where you come in.)
Our Jewish Networking Hub is just that—a place to network, connect, and create a launching pad for students to build their lives right here in San Diego after graduation.
I always say Hillel of San Diego is the last stop before a young person decides how they want to be part of Jewish community after college. So let’s give them the tools and resources to build successful futures right here.
By joining us at our Jewish Networking Hub event, you could be the person who helps a student decide to stay—by giving career advice, offering mentorship, or even finding your next intern or employee.
We’ve seen it before, and we know it works.
If you’d like to help change a young person’s life and make your own connections along the way, we’ll see you Tuesday night!
Register for the event here. AND register to become a mentor here.
No tricks at Hillel of San Diego. Our Jewish future is all a treat!
Thanks for being a part of it.
Shabbat Shalom,
Karen