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?

Hillel of San Diego fuels our community’s leadership pipeline. I want to introduce you to Maya. If you’ve come to a Hillel event, you’ve probably seen her bustling around making sure everything runs smoothly. She’s our classic utility player – capable, smart, takes initiative, and eager to grow. A gift to any organization.

I want to share a quick update on the incident that happened at Hillel of San Diego last week. But, before that, I want to thank you for showing up for us during this time. I received so many messages of concern and support. It meant the world to me, our team, and our students to know that the community was standing in solidarity with us.

Hope you are having a great start to your 2026. At Hillel of San Diego, our highest priority is, and will always be, the safety of Jewish students.

Over the past few months, an individual repeatedly harassed Hillel San Diego, prompting us to obtain a restraining order. Today, that individual attempted to break into our Melvin Garb Hillel Center and left an unidentified package.