Jewish communities started the eight-day long celebration of Hanukkah on Dec. 6; you can be sure to learn more about the holiday through Hillel.

Hillel is a Jewish organization at CSUSM that meets at U-Hour every Tuesday outside the USU to connect students to the culture and faith of Judaism.

“We would love for anyone to come join our events and have fun with us. Even if you aren’t Jewish, as long as you have an interest in Jewish traditions and culture and respect for everyone’s differences, we would love for you to join us,” said President Emily Rosenthal.

Hillel is a nation-wide student organization with groups at over 550 colleges and universities, according to hillel.org.

CSUSM’s group has about 100 members. Their mission is to enrich “the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world,” said Rosenthal.

The Hillel House is their center down the street from the QUAD where they can hold events, such as “Shabbat dinners, challah bread baking and educational Jewish activities,” said Rosenthal.

To keep the traditions of the Jewish culture intact and stay connected with each other, the organization has “Friday night Shabbat dinners, Jewish holiday celebrations, alternative Spring Break trips, bagels on Tuesdays [and] thoughtful Thursdays,” where the group meets for “coffee and discussion about a Jewish current event,” said Rosenthal.

With the commencement of Hanukkah, the group will celebrate with traditions, “such as lighting the menorah, playing the dreidel game and making latkes (potato pancakes),” said Rosenthal.

Hillel aims to provide the ultimate college experience for Jewish students while teaching them about the history of Judaism and connecting them with their peers.

“We envision a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel,” said Rosenthal.