Community and Leadership

Hillel is your home away from home.

Come by every day for a hot meal or snacks, a place to study, and friends and staff who are genuinely happy you’re here! Opportunities to get involved are endless and if there is something you want that Hillel currently doesn’t do, we are here to help make it happen! Looking to get involved? Reach out to Scotty Epstein for UCSD (sepstein@hillelsd.org), Jessica Meyer for SDSU (jmeyer@hillelsd.org), and Danielle Botvin for USD and CSUSM (dbotvin@hillelsd.org).

Kef (Fun) Committee

Social events that anyone can join! From movie nights to cookie baking to bonfires and more– this is the easiest way to meet new friends with zero pressure. Have a fun activity you want to see happen? Get involved in Kef and Hillel will be there to make it happen! To get involved in Kef, contact Alex at SDSU (akaufman@hillelsd.org) or Cecelia at UCSD (cashenberg@hillelsd.org).

Welcome Back BBQ

Each semester we host a big Welcome Back BBQ that brings the whole community together. Live music, good food, and good people make coming back to campus a big celebration! Check out photos from past BBQs on our instagrams! SDSU, UCSD, USD, CSUSM

Coffee and Bagels at Each Campus

UCSD Schmear Society- Tuesdays from 12-2pm on library walk, come hang out with friends and get some coffee and a bagel with schmear (cream cheese). It’s that simple!

SDSU Coffee with Kauf- Tuesdays from 11am-12:30pm at Hillel, come hang out with friends and get some coffee and breakfast (bagels, pancakes, waffles…. it’s different every week).

USD Tuesday Schmoozeday- Join us Tuesdays from 1-2pm for donuts and coffee. See calendar for this week’s location on campus!

CSUSM Caffeine and Color- Thursdays outside the USU between 12-2pm. Adult coloring books and coffee- what could be better?

Wellness @ Hillel

We believe supporting mental health and wellness is just as important as food. Join us in learning how to foster building resilience and prevent burnout. You can participate in one of our many wellness events. Some past wellness series included; painting, meditation, baking, and learning about growth mindset.

Wellness at UCSD: UCSD has dedicated monthly wellness days and a ‘relaxation station’ to keep you stocked with everything you need to get you through the quarter (October 8, November 6 and December 6 for Fall Quarter)
Wellness at SDSU: Join us for a series of regular programming dedicated to wellness! These include; Manicures and mingling, playing with furry friends, and starting November 1st – a soup hotline for anyone feeling under the weather

Check out photos from past wellness events on our instagrams! SDSU, UCSD, USD, CSUSM

Jewish Student Clubs at UCSD

Eastern European Jewish Club: The Eastern European Jewish Club hosts cultural events and learning opportunities for Russian-speaking Jews. Interested? Reach out to Cecelia Ashenberg at cashenberg@hillelsd.org

Queer Kehillah: Be in community, celebrate and socialize with your fellow queer Jews! Queer Kehillah hosts Shabbat, holiday parties, brunches, movie nights, learning opportunities and social events throughout the year. Interested? Reach out Scotty Epstein at sepstein@hillelsd.org

Persian Jewish Club: The Persian Jewish Club hosts cultural events and learning opportunities for Persian Jews to be in community with each other. Interested? Reach out to Eyal Asher at easher@hillelsd.org

Food Access Point

We know that “hungry college student” is a cliche for a reason. In partnership with Jewish Family Service, if you ever are in need of meals, Hillel is there for you. We provide access to frozen stable meals and fruits and vegetables whenever you need. You don’t need to sign up, you just need to show up. Come by SDSU’s Garb Hillel Center or UCSD’s Glickman Hillel Center and take what you need. No questions asked.

Jewish Greek Life

Special events open to Jewish students involved in any Greek organization. Tailgates, learning, social events, holiday celebrations and more! Want to get involved? Email Alex at akaufman@hillelsd.org for SDSU and cashenberg@hillelsd.org for UCSD

Jewish Grad Network Powered by Hillel

Are you a graduate student in a San Diego college and looking for Jewish community events with other students? Come join us at one of our many events which include; shabbat, holidays and other socializing opportunities. Reach out to Dbotvin@hillelsd.org to learn more.

Be a Leader with Hillel

Looking to get involved making change on campus and inspiring others? Reach out to Scotty Epstein for UCSD (sepstein@hillelsd.org), Jessica Meyer for SDSU (jmeyer@hillelsd.org), and Danielle Botvin for USD and CSUSM (dbotvin@hillelsd.org).

Triton Jewish Leaders (TJL) at UCSD

Triton Jewish Leaders empowers students to connect Jewish community with social entrepreneurship. The platform serves diverse undergraduates, empowering them as change agents through the mentorship of a Hillel professional. Student leaders within TJL are at the forefront of community programming, social activism, Israel, and Jewish learning. Contact Scotty Epstein (sepstein@hillelsd.org) to learn more.

Hillel Leadership Committee (HLC) at SDSU!

The HLC is for leaders who want to grow the Jewish community on campus, to contribute to the events & programs being produced by Hillel, and to drive decision making. It is a dedicated team that is passionate about Hillel and wants to make a difference. Opportunities range from social media marketing to event planning and outreach. Contact Jessica Meyer (jmeyer@hillelsd.org) to learn more.

Challah For Hunger

Every week, students continue the centuries-old tradition of baking challah and practicing social justice (tikkun olam). While the dough rises, students discuss local and national campus hunger issues and discuss advocacy tactics to address food insecurity on campus. After baking, the students sell the challah on campus to their peers, faculty and community members. 50% of profits from challah sales go to Swipe Out Hunger to support national anti-hunger advocacy efforts and 50% to local nonprofits fighting hunger in their community. Contact Alex to get involved at SDSU (akaufman@hillelsd.org) or Cecilia at UCSD (cashenberg@hillelsd.org).

Jewish Leadership at USD and CSUSM!

Want to see more events and fun Jewish opportunties at USD and CSUSM, join the whatsapp group and get connected into a great circle of Jewish friends. Contact Danielle Botvin to get involved (dbotvin@hillelsd.org).