How many Jewish students are there on campus?

Our Jewish student population at UCSC is around 1,200, or roughly 7% of the overall student body. At Cabrillo College and CSU Monterey Bay, we estimate a student population of 300 and 150, respectively.

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What kinds of activities/programming does Hillel sponsor?

Hillel both independently organizes as well as sponsors events with various Jewish student groups. Hillel also co-sponsors various events with other University organizations. Our events include everything from Shabbat Dinners and Passover Seders to Schmooze and Schmears to movie nights and bowling!. Check out our calendar  or instagram for more of our past and upcoming events! ​

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What is Shabbat like at Santa Cruz Hillel?

Our bi-weekly Shabbat consists of a kosher-style dinner, new friends, and a chance to relax and take a break from the week. Our Friday nights are lively, warm and fun, which keeps students coming back and building friendships. Our Shabbats dinners are free of cost, to ensure everyone can join!

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Is there a Kosher meal plan on campus?

While there is no Kosher meal plan on campus, UCSC does provide kosher-style dining during Passover at several of the campus’s dining halls. For more information, click here. ​

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Does Hillel offer a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip? Can students study abroad in Israel?

​Santa Cruz Hillel does birthright trip, both during the Summer and Winter! Click here or email us at [email protected] for more information and to get connected to Birthright or other travel experiences such as MASA and Onward. 

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Does Hillel have a membership fee?

There is no fee for being a part of the Hillel community, and there are rarely any fees for participating in the numerous programs that we offer throughout the year!  

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I'm thinking about applying to UCSC. Does Hillel arrange visits?

We are always happy to meet with prospective students who are interested in exploring the Jewish community on campus.  Email us at [email protected] to arrange a time to visit or get connected to a current student!

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Do I have to be Jewish to participate in Hillel?

Not at all! While Hillel is a center for Jewish life on campus, we have a diverse community of Jewish, interfaith and non-faith participants that come to our events and programs, all of whom are welcome.

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How is Hillel connected to the University?

Hillel is affiliated with UCSC at part of the University Interfaith Coalition. We strive to make Hillel an indispensable part of the university community.​

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How can I support Santa Cruz Hillel?

Hillel relies on your generosity to fund its programming. Click here to learn more.

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