Shabbat Student Speaker: Zach

At Hillel 818’s Greek Shabbat, Zachary Irvin, a Grapevine Fellow and brother of CSUN AEPI, took the opportunity to share his reflections on one of his favorite Jewish holidays: Sukkot.

Drawing on Leviticus 23:42, which describes the Israelites living in temporary booths after leaving Egypt, Zachary explored the deeper meaning behind the sukkah. 

“Judaism has survived not because we have always had walls protecting us, but because generation after generation has built spaces where we can come together, remember who we are, and make sure that the people beside us know they aren't alone,” Zachary shared.

For Zachary, these spaces of connection are not just found in Jewish tradition. They are found in the communities he has built throughout his own life.

Alongside Hillel 818, his home away from home has been AEPI, where he has been an active brother for the past two years. Through Shabbat dinners, Hillel programs, and gatherings at his brothers’ homes, Zachary has found a sense of belonging that he describes as irreplaceable. These experiences have shown him firsthand what it means to be surrounded by people who make you feel included and understood.

Ultimately, Zachary’s message was a call to action. Sukkot teaches us not only to remember where we come from, but also to take responsibility for the communities we build today and the ones we leave behind for future generations. Because building Jewish community is about more than finding a place to belong. It is about helping others find theirs, too.