Dear Claremont Community Members and Alumni,

We are thinking of you, and pray that wherever you are, you remain safe and healthy.

You may have heard, that the undergraduate colleges are transitioning to online classes and asking all students to move out of the dormitories by Wednesday. We know this is a shock, and we want the students to know we are here for them.

Many of our supporters are asking how they can help. Please feel free to reach out to us with words of care and with any questions you may have. We know that the current times are uncertain, but if you are able, your financial support means so much to us.

We acknowledge that some of our alumni and community members do not necessarily have local Jewish communities of their own. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Rabbi Danny for support. He will be glad to assist you when possible and/or connect you to local resources.

We also know that many in our extended community join Hillel for Passover each spring. Given that the colleges are closing, we will not be hosting a Passover Seder or any other community events this year. Hopefully this notice gives you plenty of time to arrange alternate plans. We may have a small number of graduate students or undergrads that are unable to leave Claremont. If you have space to host a student at your Seder, or are looking to be hosted please be in touch as soon as possible.

During this time we are working hard to plan the rest of the semester in our new virtual environment. We wanted to share with you our plans that we have sent to current students this morning:
We are here to support you wherever you go as we all face new challenges around COVID-19 and the announcement that the colleges will transition to online instruction. Although Hillel and the Chaplaincy are suspending all in-person activities, we are working to create virtual spaces for community, learning, and support. Here is what is in the works and other important information:
  • As of writing, Rabbi Danny will remain on campus and available to students at least through the end of the move-out period on March 18th.  
  • Schedule a Zoom meeting with Rabbi Danny for support or to just chat (or even to just test out your webcam). Visit the scheduling app, email or call (909) 621-8824 to set an appointment. If time zones are complicated, be in touch and we can work something out.
  • Drop-in office hours and pre-Shabbat gathering and blessing via Zoom will be announced.
  • Submit a loved one to our virtual Mi Sheberach (prayers for healing) or Kaddish (remembrance) list.
  • Online learning will be announced including “How to Celebrate Passover Anywhere”, “How to Lead Passover Seder – even if it’s your first time”, and the continuation of “Religion and Politics at the Lunch Table” in a revised online format. Rabbi Danny will adjust learning based on interest and demand.
  • Curated resources and online learning opportunities will be shared via e-mail and Facebook.
  • Students that are granted an exemption to remain on campus should let Rabbi Danny know, so he can stay in touch.
  • Graduate students with any additional religious needs should be in touch with Rabbi Danny. If you think you will be looking for a Passover Seder, or be able to offer to host other students, please let Rabbi Danny know as soon as possible. 
 
Amid the uncertainty of this moment, Hillel remains a dependable presence for all of our students. We are here for you. Please contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions on how we can best live out our commitment to you.