When evaluating candidates for Mr. Hillel 2017 (click here to buy tickets and donate), we hoped to find a Mensch — someone who is both greatly involved in our community and who embodies the values that we stand for. Joey Levin undoubtedly meets both qualifications.
Rebecca Selk Levin, Joey’s mother, puts it like this: “Joey is truly one of the most kindhearted people I know. He … is most definitely the Nicest Jewish Boy ever. And I am not just saying that because I am his mother! Ask anyone!”
You might see Joey strolling around campus in his standard getup of shorts or perhaps on TV, painted blue, cheering on the UCLA Bruins. What you must know, however, is that since his very first year at UCLA, Joey has been involved in many groups at Hillel. As current president of the Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC), a sitting board member of Students Supporting Israel (SSI) and member of Bruins for Israel (BFI), he has planted roots throughout Hillel’s many sub-communities. Joey’s leadership attests to the importance of temperament in the presidency: he is calm, measured and always good-natured.
Last year, he was honored with the Emerging Leader at Hillel Award, which recognizes a Hillel leader with outstanding potential. Joey was lauded last quarter as “the most involved student at Hillel,” according to new data collected through event sign-in sheets. In his opinion, he has maintained that lead, sometimes attending three Hillel lunch events in a single day. He also says that he sometimes spends up to 11 hours at Hillel without leaving.
As Mr. Hillel, Joey’s donations will fund One Happy Camper, an organization that helps Jewish children realize their dreams of attending summer camp. He chose it because he has attended summer camp for 10 years — six as a camper and four as a staff member. “It [summer camp] made such a great impact on who I am. It has really turned me into the person I am today,” he said.
Joey Levin truly embodies the values we hold dear and deserves to be called a “Nice Jewish Bruin.” He has been endorsed by SSI, the Bayit, Morning Minyan and Sigma Alpha Mu for his outstanding qualifications and general Mensch-hood.
The Ha’Am Editorial Board unanimously voted to endorse Joey for Mr. Hillel. We are honored and privileged to do so and hope you that you lend him your support, too.
Testimonials:
(Note: these should not be construed as endorsements)
“There’s no one more present at Hillel than Joey Levin. From the early wee hours of the day to the wee hours of the evening, Joey basically lives here. And with everything that he does he brings such energy and enthusiasm and full presence. Just, how do you not love the guy?” -Danielle Natelson
“What a Mensch!” -Jessica Jacobs
“The only JLIC sexton and president ever to be featured on ESPN with UCLA colors painted on. You’re optimal!” -Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan
