Hillel of San Diego isn’t just growing – we’re doubling down on what matters most: building a thriving, resilient Jewish community for students at SDSU, UCSD, USD, and CSUSM. From leadership development programs to community-builders like Shabbat tables, Torah study and Israel Week to mental health support services, Hillel serves as a gathering place, oasis and second home for students seeking connection and meaning.

Happy Cyber Monday! Today’s the day we all enjoy the thrill of finding a good deal. And, here’s the best deal you’ll see today: Every dollar you give to Hillel of San Diego is DOUBLED up to $25,000 thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. No codes, no gimmicks.

Kira’s Hillel story began as an undergraduate at USD, where she was one of only four Jewish students on campus. For Kira, there were no Shabbat dinners. No immersive Jewish learning. No visible Jewish community.

Sonia is a retired UCSD faculty member and a proud parent of Triton and Torero alumni. She didn’t have Hillel when she was in college, but she made sure her children did. And once she saw the impact Hillel had on them, she jumped in with both feet, eventually joining the Hillel of San Diego Board of Directors.

Brad and Karen’s story is one of legacy, family, and deep belief in the power of Jewish community.

Your support is what makes Jewish life on campus thrive and ensures a strong Jewish future for all of us. So for the month of November, we want to talk about and celebrate the people who make it all possible and share YOUR impact. Hillel of San Diego thrives because of parents, alumni, San Diegans, and everyone who believes in the power of the next generation.

At Hillel of San Diego we are firing on all cylinders, and your impact through Hillel continues to change lives in real time. As we make our way through this beginning part of the year, I wanted to share some Big Wins that we are celebrating.

This year marks a turning point, as the strength, resilience, and fortitude demonstrated by our students over the past two years begin to shift the tide across our campuses.

Watch our Community Briefing video here.

By Karen Parry | PUBLISHED: The San Diego Union-Tribune, September 17, 2025

Watching nearly 300 students schmooze, eat, laugh, and celebrate the beginning of the school year at Hillel of San Diego’s Welcome Back BBQ was pretty much on brand for how we do things. BIG! BOLD! FUN! CONNECTED!

It has been such a joyful week where students were empowered to lead remarkable Jewish experiences on campus.