Tracy Hernandez
Sipping on their mochas in the air-conditioned Freudian Sip they discussed a religious holiday when they are forbidden to do any work.
The Jewish club Hillel met to discuss their current activities that are approaching such as Camp Shabbat.
“Our mission is to get all the Jewish students together, empower Jewish leaders, do good, and just celebrate Jewish culture,” said program coordinator Sara Kheel.
The meeting was held with only 4 members and seeking to recruit more. All members were proudly Jewish.
“I’m Jewish and I want to learn more about my culture since my boyfriend is Jewish too and very much proud of it,” said 20-year-old Hillel member Michelle Seiller.
The club meets once or twice a week and never on a set date. They usually meet at one of the members’ home or somewhere on campus. They do a lot of activities that consist of being outside.
“We used to go hiking a very long time ago but now we do something called Sukkah,” said Kheel.
Sukkah is a week long Jewish tradition and takes place outside. The members set up a tent and eat sing and sleep in it.
Aside from the outdoor activities they also volunteer at the San Fernando Rescue Mission Center and SOVA a charity organization.
Aside from Seiller other members are happy as well to be a part of Hillel.
“I like this club because I meet new friends and experience,” said 20-year-old Monica Nabizadeh.
Justin Khoshnou, 20, also expresses appreciation for Hilel because of the friends and opportunities he gained from it.
Hillel will be celebrating Camp Shabbat on Friday March 25 at 7 p.m.
It will be located at one of the members’ home. There will be a dinner, camp songs, and free kosher food.
If anyone is interested in joining the club or going to Camp Shabbat they can contact Sara Kheel at sarakheel@earthlink.net.