Fall Welcome Week
Welcome to Jewish Life at Cal!
We’re so excited you’re here, and we can’t wait to welcome you. The best way to get to know the Jewish community at Cal is to attend our Hillel Welcome Week events for new students. Look out for our student leaders, who are excited to meet you and who will be around all of Hillel Welcome Week to chat and answer your questions.
Find previous year retreat information HERE.
Questions about Hillel Welcome Week? Let us know! Edina, our Manager of Leadership and Engagement, is happy to help! Reach out at egoore@berkeleyhillel.org.
Open House
& Tours
Stop by Hillel to get to know our building, staff, and community. Come in and ask at the front desk for a tour!
2026 Schedule:
Monday,
August 17th
Tuesday Axe Throwing, 5 – 7 p.m.
Take a break from orientation week and join us for an evening of axe throwing, friendly competition, and meeting new people! Come with friends or show up solo for a fun, low-pressure way to connect with other new students and Berkeley Hillel staff.
We’ll meet at Hillel and walk over together. Come hang out, try something new, and see who can hit the bullseye!
Tuesday, August 18th
Wednesday,
August 19th
SF Bay Cruise, 5 –7 p.m.
Hop aboard for an evening on the Bay with Berkeley Hillel! Join fellow new students and staff for a relaxing cruise with beautiful views of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, and beyond.
Transportation from Berkeley Hillel will be provided.
Welcome Shabbat for New Students
Berkeley Hillel, 2736 Bancroft Way
After a week of getting your bearings, settle into Shabbat with us. Take time to unplug from the week and plug into mindfulness.
6 p.m. – Community Candle Lighting
Every week, join Hillel staff in the lobby as we transition to Shabbat with candle-lighting and intention-setting. Candles will also be available all evening for you to light at your own time.
6:15 p.m. – Kabbalat Shabbat service
Come together in song, meditation, and prayer to welcome Shabbat with your Berkeley Hillel community. Berkeley Hillel Minyan is a joyful prayer space that incorporates songs and traditions from various Jewish practices. And after services, there’s always a place at our Shabbat table!
7:15 p.m. – Kiddush and Shabbat Dinner
Join us in the auditorium for Kiddush and motzi (blessing over the bread), followed by a home-cooked Shabbat dinner. Come for the yummy food, stay for the company and holy Shabbat vibes!
6:00 p.m. – Candle Lighting & Community Gathering
Ease into the evening with music, conversation, and candle lighting. Every Friday, we gather to mark the transition from the busy week into Shabbat — a time to slow down, reflect, and be together. You’re welcome to participate however feels comfortable to you.
6:15 p.m. – Musical Shabbat Service
Join us for a joyful, student-led Shabbat experience with singing, reflection, and moments of mindfulness. The service draws from a variety of Jewish traditions and is open to everyone, regardless of background or experience. Feel free to participate, listen, or simply take in the atmosphere.
7:15 p.m. – Shabbat Dinner
After the service, everyone comes together for a home-cooked community dinner. We’ll begin with traditional blessings over grape juice and challah bread, then enjoy a delicious meal together. Come for the food, stay for the people.
No experience necessary — just bring yourself (and friends are always welcome).
Friday,
August 21st
Monday,
August 24
GBO Affinity Space, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Curious about Jewish life at Berkeley? Stop by the GBO Affinity Space to meet Berkeley Hillel students and staff, hear about student experiences, and learn about the many ways to get involved in the Jewish community on campus.
There will be a student panel where you can ask questions about campus life, community, traditions, classes, or anything else on your mind, plus plenty of time to mingle and meet other new students in a relaxed setting.
Afterward, head over to Hillel for our Welcome Home after-party and mezuzah-making event!
Welcome Home: Dinner & Make-Your-Own Mezuzah, 6–7 p.m.
Make your new space feel a little more like home. Join Rabbi Danny at Hillel for a cozy evening of crafting, dinner, and community as we create personalized mezuzahs, a traditional Jewish item often placed on doorways as a symbol of home, protection, and intention.
As we get creative together, we’ll also talk about the transition to college, building community, and creating a home away from home. No prior knowledge or artistic experience needed. All are welcome!
Taste of Hillel Bagel Brunch, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Start your morning with bagels, coffee, and good company at Berkeley Hillel! Meet other new students, connect with current student leaders, and get a feel for Jewish life and community at Cal.
Whether you’re looking for friendship, Shabbat dinners, leadership opportunities, social events, or just a place to feel at home, this is a great chance to learn about the many ways to get involved at Hillel.
Toast to Tuesday, 4:30 p.m.
Join us for the first Toast to Tuesday of the semester! Stop by Hillel for fun drinks, snacks, and a celebratory toast to the start of a great year.
Tuesday,
August 25
Wednesday
(1st Day of Classes)
Mocktail Happy Hour for New Students, 5 – 6 p.m.
New students, join us for an exclusive happy hour before we open the doors for our weekly Jewish Community BBQ. Not only will you be able to schmooze with your fellow classmates and new students, but you’ll also get to be first in line for dinner!
Kickoff Jewish Community BBQ, 6 – 7 p.m.
After a long first day of classes, you deserve a delicious home-cooked meal! Join us every Wednesday for our famous weekly Jewish Community BBQ! Come every week to eat tasty Kosher BBQ food (cooked by our talented Kitchen Interns), see your friends, and meet new people!
Welcome Back Shabbat, 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate the end of your first week by joining the whole community for Shabbat at Hillel. Bless, sing, eat, and rest; what else is Shabbat for?
6 p.m. – Community Candle Lighting
Every week, join Hillel staff in the lobby as we transition into Shabbat with candle lighting and intention-setting. Candles will also be available all evening for you to light on your time.
6:15 p.m. – Kabbalat Shabbat
Come together in song, meditation, and prayer to welcome Shabbat with your Berkeley Hillel community. Berkeley Hillel Minyan is a joyful prayer space that incorporates songs and traditions from various Jewish practices. And after services, there’s always a place at our Shabbat table!
7:15 p.m. – Kiddush and Shabbat Dinner
Join us in the auditorium for Kiddush and motzi (blessing over the bread), followed by a home-cooked Shabbat dinner. Come for the yummy food, stay for the company and holy Shabbat vibes!
