These are challenging times, and we are here for you. We understand UCSB’s decision to keep all of you safe and healthy, and to show care and compassion for those who are vulnerable within our community and region. We will miss seeing you at Shabbat dinners, Passover Seder and meals, and other programs.
However, just as upcoming classes will go virtual, for the time being so will Hillel. During this period of uncertainty, your Hillel community will remain a constant. We are working on opportunities to connect with you and keep you engaged with your Santa Barbara Hillel community through interesting, relevant, and meaningful virtual content and programs. As the Jewish text Pirkei Avot teaches, “al tifrosh min hatzibur - don’t separate yourself from the community.” Please know our entire staff is always here for you - to chat, to be a resource, or to simply provide support during this challenging time. You’ll find our full contact information at the end of this message.
Santa Barbara Hillel values the health and wellbeing of our community above all else. In accordance withUCSB’s recently announced policies, we will cancel all student in-person group programming through at least May 4th. Our Hall of Fame event remains as scheduled on April 19th, and we will keep you apprised of any changes. We will assess the situation as it continues to evolve, and look forward to resuming our amazing in-person activities as soon as possible. We ask all to stay informed via the university’s dedicated site, and to monitor your email for updates from UCSB and Hillel.
In keeping with public health recommendations, we are temporarily moving away from serving as a “community center.”
Until further notice, our building will be closed to the public, including individual or group meetings.
Staff will work remotely.
Students are encouraged to reach out to staff to meet “virtually.”
It may be possible to have in-person staff-student one-to-one meetings at outside locations.
We ask all in our community to practice social distancing in your interactions, take practical steps such as hand washing and avoidance of close contact, and to stay home if at all symptomatic. We will continue to place the needs of our community first, and invite you to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions on how we can best live out our commitment to you. Also, be sure to check our Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.
