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Supporting a Life of Jewish Meaning
USC Hillel strives to support our students as they explore their identity while living away from home for the first time. With more than 50% of Jewish students now growing up in interfaith homes, we bring equal commitment to mentoring students from all backgrounds along their Jewish journeys (including those who come without prior affiliation with the organized Jewish community). By fostering an exploration of their passions and interests as Jews and as young adults, along with an intensive effort to get to know the broader Jewish student body, we are able to co-create meaningful Jewish experiences with our students.
Shabbat at USC Hillel
Almost every Friday night, students are welcome at Hillel for Shabbat services and dinner. We have an ongoing traditional-Egalitarian minyan (prayer group) led by students and staff. To learn more about Shabbat at USC Hillel please contact our Assistant Director, Rachael Cohen.
Shabbat in a Box
Occasionally, in lieu of our typical Hillel-hosted dinner, we support students with an opportunity to make and share their own Shabbat dinner with friends through “Shabbat in a Box!" Our Shabbat boxes include challot and grape juice for kiddush (blessing Shabbat), a blessing sheet and words of Torah from the weekly parsha (Torah portion), challah, and a gift card to Trader Joe’s to go towards groceries for your meal. Email Rachael Cohen for more information.
Holidays
Hillel acknowledges the rhythm of Jewish life by celebrating Jewish holidays, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Tu B’shvat, Purim, and Passover. To mark these occasions, students and staff work together to create programs that connect Jewish students and the broader campus community through visual and fine arts, the environment, music and fun. All holiday services and meals are free for students.
Jewish Learning Fellowship
The Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) is a 10 week experiential, conversational seminar for USC students looking to deepen their understanding of Judaism on their own terms. We will be asking and grappling with life’s big questions, knowing we don’t have the answers, but creating the space to explore them together. Please email Rachael Cohen for more information.