As the week comes to a close I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who showed their support of Hillel by attending and/or making a contribution to our annual Gala. The event, which took place on Tuesday at the Sephardic Temple, was nothing short of magic.
Our honorees, Gail Katz and Bruce Wessel, were beautiful examples of how an institution (Hillel) and an individual (Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller) can impact an entire family who then, in turn, make a positive impact on the world. Lois and Richard Gunther, Hillel's Honorable Menschens, encouraged everyone to life adventurously and with the courage to find purpose and meaning in the way we conduct ourselves. And our student awardees inspired and wowed with their ambition, their humility and their commitment to a Jewish life of service. And the entire event was expertly emceed by Hillel alumna, actor, author and neuro-scientist, Mayim Bialik (who was also acknowledged for her unique contributions to Hillel).
Each table was graced by the presence of Hillel student leaders who shared their experiences and provided a sense of vitality to the energy of the evening. The tables were decorated with SOVA boxes filled with food that will be donated to the SOVA food banks. And the Shabbat auction was one of our most successful bringing in an additional near $40,000 to sustain the Shabbat experience for the Jewish students of UCLA!
All of this came on the heels of an incredible Yom Ha'atzmaut week of activities on campus...and though the staff and students of Hillel should be exhausted, instead we are invigorated and looking forward to ending the school year on a really positive note.
Thanks to everyone who makes our success possible - together we are ensuring the Jewish future, one UCLA student at a time.
Shabbat shalom,
Rachael