USC Hillel
Support USC Hillel, Home of the Jewish Trojan Family
USC Hillel’s mission is to enrich the lives of the 2,000 Jewish students who attend the University of Southern California so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. We provide a safe and nurturing home for Jewish life on campus, developed through partnership between student leaders and Hillel professionals, enfranchising students to create the community they envision. Our Hillel has grown significantly since the mid-1990s as the Jewish population at USC has risen steadily, and today approximately ten percent of our undergraduate students identify as Jewish.
This video was conceived, written, produced, directed, scored, and edited by members of Cinegogue,
USC Hillel's group for students in the School of Cinematic Arts.
So, what does being an emerging Jewish leader mean? In the words of first-year student Gabi Rafii:
To me, being a Jew in 2025 means surrounding myself with Jewish community that feels safe and supportive. Hillel is a place where I can tap into other things - where I can pray, think, and question Jewishly. I have space for all the different aspects of my Jewish identity here, in whichever way I need to express it, and that’s so important.
And what does USC Hillel mean to our students? Senior Will Erens says:
Hillel offered a community of people who were like-minded, shared cultural backgrounds, identities, and passions, who understood each other in an inherent way. When I’m at Hillel, it’s really an opportunity to slow down, to relax, to legitimately say hello and spend time with someone. This is what Shabbat is. During the week we rush by and say "Hi," but Shabbat at Hillel is the chance to sit down, have a meaningful conversation, and take a break. Hillel has in many ways become the center of my college experience, and I never expected it to be.
On behalf of our 2,000 Jewish undergraduates, USC Hillel thanks you for your commitment to their thriving Jewish lives. USC Hillel is an independent 501c3 organization that receives no financial support from the University. Your gift enhances our ability to serve students, and deepens our impact at USC and in the world. If you have any questions, or would like to make a gift over the phone, please contact Ben Cutter, Assistant Director for Advancement, at 213.973.1202 or by email to ben@uschillel.org.
