Building A Home for the Jewish Future at Berkeley Hillel

“Without the support of Berkeley Hillel throughout my years as an undergrad, I would’ve never had the confidence or the resources to accomplish my goals as a leader on campus.”

—Aviv Gilboa Class of 2013

Dear Friends of Berkeley Hillel,

How do I make good choices in my life?What is my connection to Judaism? What can I do to make a difference in the world?

These are just a few of the big questions asked by many of our students here on the Berkeley campus.

Students come to Hillel for many reasons: to express and explore their values, to deepen their Jewish identity, to connect with Israel and to find a warm community. Hillel provides students with the space to search for a life of meaning – a Jewish life that is relevant now and in the future.

Investing in Jewish leaders and scholars ensures the greatest promise for global impact. It is Hillel’s obligation to protect this community’s future; a future that carries a proud legacy of influence, productivity, philanthropy and creativity.

Berkeley Hillel provides a safe and grounding place for Cal Jewish students. To be fully effective in meeting the challenges of building the Jewish community in the 21st century, the current facility must undergo a significant remodel.

There has never been a better time for these investments than now.

I invite you to join me and our community to help us realize the most exciting next step: ensuring that Hillel remains a place for Jewish students to thrive. We hope you will help us safeguard Berkeley Hillel’s home for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Rabbi Adam Naftalin-KelmanExecutive Director

“I see Berkeley Hillel provide an array of deeply meaningful Jewish experiences to a large number of young people who are at a critical stage in their identity formation.”

—Rob Ruby z”l Immediate Past Berkeley Hillel Board President, 2010-2016

An Increased Demand for SpaceSince its last remodel thirty years ago, Berkeley Hillel has enjoyed tremendous growth in the breadth and depth of its programs. Today, this growth is limited because of the restrictions of its outdated facility. The current building was not designed to host the large number of students and wide array of activities taking place.

Berkeley Hillel needs your help to ensure that Jewish life at Cal continues to flourish. Support the remodel of Hillel’s aging and inadequate building and facilities.

Jewish Life at Berkeley Hillel – Fast Facts

“I love that moment when I am sitting with a freshman over coffee and stories just start to flow, dreams are spewed and our shared Judaism weaves through it all.” —Izzy Ullmann Class of 2018, Hillel Leader

Berkeley Hillel provides programs and opportunities that strengthen its mission by:

• Welcoming students in a pluralistic, inclusive and respectful community.

• Fostering the growth of students’ Jewish identity.

• Developing students’ sense of social justice, civic responsibility and service to local, national and larger communities.

• Providing opportunities for students to examine their Judaism and spirituality.

• Supporting Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.

• Prioritizing one-on-one engagement so that Hillel leaders and staff members learn about each and every Jewish student.

• Providing fellowship space for students to learn in a smaller cohort of their peers, each covering a variety of focus areas.

• Organizing and hosting a Community Meal for food-insecure Berkeley families.

• Providing weekly Shabbat dinner and services, that attract more than 100 students each week.

• Offering a variety of groups and fellowships that educate students on how to speak articulately about Israel and to confront anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.

Did You Know?

“The Jewish community at Cal has given me more than I could have ever imagined or hoped for.” —Jewish survey respondent

OF JEWISH STUDENTS REPORT A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY85%

OF JEWISH STUDENTS WOULD CALL THEMSELVES A SUPPORTER OF ISRAEL88%

OF JEWISH STUDENTS SAY THAT HILLEL HAS INCREASED THEIR SENSE OF SELF AS A JEWISH LEADER90%

STUDENTS A YEAR PARTICIPATE IN HILLEL1770

Berkeley Hillel’s Future with a Remodeled Home A new facility will provide the proper home for students, will serve as the hub for Jewish life and will be a vital foundation for fostering the next generation of American Jewish Leadership. With an updated space, Berkeley Hillel will:

• Create new programs, such as Yoga Under the Stars, Havdalah in the Backyard and Jewish-Eco groups.

• Hold sensitive one-on-one conversations.

• Bring media into education; screen outdoor movies.

• Prepare home-cooked kosher meals for hundreds.

• Lead spiritual services.

With these renovations, Berkeley Hillel will continue to serve as a beacon of creative Jewish experiences and a point of pride for the entire Berkeley community.

“I wanted to host a Shabbat meal. Hillel made this easy.”

—Jonathan Schneider Graduate Student

Renovation Highlights Berkeley Hillel’s intention is to transform the current 15,800 square-foot building into a state-of-the-art facility, while aiming to be a leader in energy efficiency and waste reduction.

Community Enrichment through Fellowship … and Food! • Redesigned building lobby to accommodate the over 100 students attending weekly BBQs

and Shabbat dinners

• Renovated Kosher kitchens so that students can prepare weekly meals for their 300 peers

Beautiful and Functional Common Spaces• Brightly remodeled chapel for religious and spiritual programs

• Large outdoor space with gardens, patio, BBQ and backyard

Flexible and Poised for Growth• Redesigned rooms that accommodate a variety of program needs, including lectures, study

sessions and cultural events

• Additional meeting and private study spaces

• Additional and redesigned office spaces

Eco-Conscious Design• New solar panels and water-saving systems

• Ethically and environmentally sourced building materials

• Upgraded systems to facilitate greater energy efficiency

“Whether I was seeking something spiritual, political, or social, Berkeley Hillel was the venue that connected me and so many others to Jewish life in college. I can’t overstate how important it was for me just to know that Hillel and its amazing community were there. Even after graduating, Berkeley Hillel continues to be a home away from home.” Joey FreemanClass of 2013, Current Board Member

2736 Bancroft WayBerkeley, California 94704

510-845-7793

www.berkeleyhillel.org

To support this project, please contact Rabbi Adam Naftalin-Kelman, Executive Director at 510-845-7793 ext. 111.