Matt Reflects on Five Years at Hillel 818

For the past five years, as May turns into June, I exhale as another Hillel 818 year comes to a close. I reflect on the year that was, and then, despite knowing better, I find myself uttering the same fatefully foolish words: “Next year’s gotta be more normal, right?”

Because I’ll be honest with you all – my first five years as Executive Director of Hillel 818 have been incredible, meaningful, and life changing. We have done important work. We have changed lives. We have become one of the premiere Jewish institutions in Los Angeles and across the country. But none of this has been normal.

Four years ago, I wrote an article for eJewish Philanthropy titled “Mom, What do I do?” to share some lessons learned after a uniquely challenging and cinematic first year as the Hillel 818 Executive Director. The article was inspired by my first board chair, Kathi Mangel, who after each shocking new incident would tell me, “Add it to the book!” I kid you not, the first draft of that article was almost 4 times as long as the one published.

And things have not gotten quieter since. My first four years were mostly defined by the trials, tribulations, and adventures of our building renovation saga and navigating the uncertainty and limits of an unprecedented pandemic. All this while working every day to provide a place, platform, and community for the Jewish college students of the San Fernando Valley to self-actualize as Jews.

Then came 2023-2024. Naively, I truly thought this was the year of Hillel 818 normalcy. Our new building was fully permitted and fully open. Students were finally back on campus at near pre-pandemic levels. 

And then October 7th happened.

For most Jewish professionals, including myself, this was the most taxing year of our careers. I think it’s safe to say that for the majority of Jews born after the Holocaust, this was the most difficult year we’ve ever had as Jews.

Yet, despite rising antisemitism, despite college campuses becoming the epicenter of America’s anti-Israel hate movement, and despite whatever else has been thrown our way, I’ve never been prouder to be the Executive Director of Hillel 818. 

For every tear shed, we helped create a Jewish smile. For every moment of fear, we helped cultivate a moment of joy. Sadness was met with hugs, anger was fought with celebration, ignorance countered with education, and darkness defeated by light. 

This year we reached far more Jewish undergraduate students (1000+), and more total students (1800+), than ever in the history of Hillel 818. We changed lives for the better and built an incredible Jewish community. We advocated on behalf of our students to our administrations and worked with community partners to create the best and safest atmosphere for our Jewish students.

Our success wasn't by accident. During these past five unusually challenging years, we refused to respond with more of the same normalcy. Instead, we relied upon our creativity and resolve to meet the needs of each moment as they came and channeled each new challenge into fuel for continued growth.

And we couldn’t have done any of it without you.

In order to meet the moment we realized we needed more members of our team. Between those additional staff people, the rising cost of food and program supplies, and the expense of running our new building, we’ve more than doubled our budget in the past 5 years. Amazingly, you have all supported us and helped ensure that we have the funds to fill bellies, nourish souls, and keep the lights on (figuratively and literally). 70% of our annual income comes from individual donors just like you. Without your support, there couldn’t be Hillel 818. I honestly can’t thank you enough for what you have done and what we’re counting on you to do moving forward.

I don’t know what next year will bring. I have no illusions about 2024-2025 being my first “normal” year as Hillel director. I pray that we never have anything as tragic as October 7th happen again, but I’m comforted by the knowledge that Hillel 818 is built to embrace the challenges of the unusual, the surprising, the unknown, and even the tragic. Your support makes us strong and allows us to become stronger. Thank you for your strength.

I can’t wait to see the growth and steps forward we take over the next 5 years.