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.

Full disclosure, we were very nervous about hosting our first fundraiser in 10 years. This evening represented more than a fun party. It was a chance to highlight our intentional design around user experience that cultivates meaningful connections and belonging – basically the work we do every day for our students.

Just like 9/11, I will forever remember where I was and what I was doing on 10/7. I think that is how it will be for a lot of us.

I’m pulling back the curtain a bit again (I think this is going to be a theme for the year…you’re an insider, so you deserve to know what’s really going on!). We’re seeing some trends at Hillel of San Diego that we need to address.

User experience is everything. Let me walk you through what we do – you’re an insider, so I’m pulling back the curtain so you can see the method and intentionality behind the magic.

Are you worried about the future of Jewish life? Antisemitism is rampant. Social media loves to spread hate. Some young people are questioning their connection to Israel. 

I get it. Can I tell you why I’m not scared?

We will not allow antisemitism or hate to diminish our Jewish pride or deter our Jewish joy.

With Passover now in our rearview mirror, and we look ahead toward Shavuot, we reflect on where we come from and where we are going. This practice happens a lot at Hillel of San Diego. Similar to a start-up, we are ever evolving to meet the needs of our students right now.

A couple of weeks ago, we put out a statement after swastika graffiti was found on campus at UC San Diego. And once again, late last week, more vile graffiti was discovered in a different location.

A few weeks ago, a student leader, Osher, came bopping into the office with a bold idea. What if we hosted a Shabbat dance party and got everyone from all the campuses to come together?