By Karen Parry in San Diego
“Time flies so don’t blink twice,” was the music playing as we convened at Hillel’s Annual meeting, and really, wow, what a year.
I keep thinking, ok, things are going to level off, but once again, your Hillel of San Diego had another milestone year of impact – it’s been six years of significant growth, innovation, student leadership, and Jewish joy. And honestly, it keeps getting better.
At our annual meeting, our incoming Board President, Bryan Wax, shared our continued focus on what he coined, “pro-semitism,” celebrating the joy of being a part of this vibrant and thriving Jewish community because, really, that’s what we do every day. Through Hillel, you shape the next generation to feel deeply connected to their Jewish identity and their Jewish community.
And it’s working. Some fun statistics for your consideration: In 2020, during the height of COVID, we were barely reaching 400 students (no small feat when everyone was gathering online exclusively), but this year, we served 3,500 students. That’s 3,500 students connecting to Jewish life in San Diego in ways that are meaningful to them. Transformational growth.
Can I let you in on what I find truly inspiring? This year alone, the number of students deeply engaged in Hillel (participated more than 6 times) grew by 40% over last year. More students are “doing Jewish” more often. We built it, and they came. A true field of dreams in real life (did I just date myself with that reference!?).
And our students are feeling the power of Hillel. Eliana shared, “I knew I wanted to step forward and make an impact, but I often found myself standing in the background.” Hillel gave her “the opportunity to lead.” For Ava, it was so much more, “My world fell apart on the 7th. And Hillel held my hand, and Hillel picked up the pieces, and Hillel walked with me.”
In the video above, hear more directly from our students about how they became leaders.
Thanks for being a part of another milestone year. Thanks for showing up for our young people. Thanks for all the support. As we wrap up our fiscal and academic year, if you are inspired by this good work, this joy that stomps out hate, please join me in adding your name to the donor roll or putting in a little extra so we can continue this growth into next year. Thank you for the incredible generosity we have already received. It truly fuels this work, so the impact is YOUR impact.
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Karen Parry is the CEO of Hillel of San Diego, which serves students on four campuses: Cal State San Marcos, San Diego State University, UC-San Diego, and the University of San Diego.