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Hillel News
Birthright is Back!
It’s become a rite of passage for a Jewish young adult to spend 10 days exploring all Israel has to offer on their Birthright trip. But in the wake of October 7th and the ensuing war, there’s been an understandable apprehension and anxiety surrounding the trip This summer, however, it was important for Hillel 818 to provide the opportunity for our students to embark on this important part of their Jewish journey.
Rabbi Jess says Rabbi-ish Things (End of the Year Edition)
We say how we are “proud to be Jewish”, but we don't always define what we are actually proud of! Well, here it is: We are proud that we act with respect, confident that we have so much to offer the world, and that we love to learn about other cultures, and partner with all faiths. That we truly seek to understand and celebrate differences because we see humanity in all, God's image in all.
Matt Reflects on Five Years at Hillel 818
For most Jewish professionals, including myself, this was the most taxing year of our careers. I think it’s safe to say that for the majority of Jews born after the Holocaust, this was the most difficult year we’ve ever had as Jews.
Yet, despite rising antisemitism, despite college campuses becoming the epicenter of America’s anti-Israel hate movement, and despite whatever else has been thrown our way, I’ve never been prouder to be the Executive Director of Hillel 818.
Hillel 818 is Defiantly Jewish
Join us. Say Hineni. Be #DefiantlyJewish. And help us build a Jewish future that stands on the success of the present and provides our students with the community, mentorship, and funds needed so they, too, can be #DefiantlyJewish.
March at Hillel 818
March was a whirlwind of self-care and celebration amidst the storm known as midterms! At Hillel, we didn't just survive; we thrived during events like our Goat Party, where relaxation came in the form of a cuteness overload, to our vibrant Purim and Pride Week celebrations, every moment was filled with joy, connection, and unforgettable experiences
Darren Klein Comes Full Circle
Hillel 818 is thrilled to share that at the beginning of March we welcomed Darren Klein as our new Operations Director. Darren is a career Jewish professional and spent over two decades working for Far West USY, so the move to Hillel 818 felt like a natural fit.
Rabbi Jess says Rabbi-ish things in the Spring
These are just a few of the Rabbi-ish things Rabbi Jess told our students in our weekly newsletters.
February at Hillel 818
February might be the shortest month of the year, but at Hillel 818 it’s been one of our busiest months yet!
From Making Jews to Makerspace: The Ben Braunstein Story
When Ben Braunstein agreed to work for Hillel 818 he had one condition that was non-negotiable: Anything he created for Hillel 818, whether it be software, a new app, or an original mezuzah design he would retain ownership over the intellectual property. At his heart, Ben has always been a creator and a builder. While helping us open our brand new building and modernizing our systems of operations, Ben has kept working on his entrepreneurial dream - to open up a makerspace for builders and craftspeople to build things and make crafts.