The resurgence of rampant antisemitism has clouded the Jewish community’s experiences, thoughts and conversations. This shift has been felt on UCLA’s campus, where some UCLA Jewish students feel uncomfortable to publically share aspects of their Jewish identity. Just this month, Jewish students en route to class walked past protestors making inflammatory remarks like, “Do you realize how Zionists, … they have that ugly, half-American, half-Zionist smile?”
Despite these anti-Jewish sentiments, the UCLA Jewish community stands strong. Jewish unity is seen at campus Shabbat dinners, which have garnered record numbers of students this quarter. Last year, UCLA Chabad, a center for Jewish life and learning, had an average of 110 students in attendance at Shabbat dinners. Now, nearly 200 students regularly surround themselves with Jewish friends and tradition on Friday nights at Chabad.
The Bayit Project at UCLA, simply referred to as the “Bayit” by students, models the strength of the Jewish community. The Bayit is a Jewish student housing cooperative that the LA Times had referred to as an “urban kibbutz”. Located amongst fraternity houses, the Bayit is a pluralistic Jewish haven that welcomes all Jewish students from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds and levels of religiosity.
“Bayit” is the Hebrew word for home. While the students who live at the Bayit engage with their Jewish identity in diverse ways, they share a common pride in building a Jewish home together.
Hannah, a fourth-year history and education double major, has lived at the Bayit for two years and is one of the house’s resident assistants. She believes that the Bayit serves a role for the larger Jewish community at UCLA, not just those who live there, by being a place where Jews can come and experience Jewish community in a more homey space. “I don’t think there is any better way I can engage with my Jewish identity,” she smiles, “every single day I walk into the house I am reminded that I am Jewish. It is where I grow as a Jew.”
Batyah, a second-year student who is currently exploring which STEM major suits her best, self-identifies as a religious Jew. There are many ways in which Jewish students hold on to aspects of their identity while immersed in secular college life. On Fridays at sundown, one can find Batyah at the window sill overlooking frat row, lighting Shabbat candles to welcome in the day of rest.
Batyah has led Torah learning classes at the house for anyone who is interested. When asked why she chose to teach the classes, Batyah responded, “it combined academic thought with the Torah’s values. It’s a good way to meet people, have fun and eat food, but also experience the depth of Jewish discourse.” Batyah is a vibrant young woman who is committed to spreading Jewish morals and ethics, “Being a Jew inspires me to be a better person.”
In the backyard, three “Baytniks” sit around the fireplace. Raanan, a first-year Mechanical Engineering student, is one of the orthodox members of the house. He often spends his evenings out by the fire practicing guitar and chatting with his housemates.
For Raanan, part of the beauty of his relationship with Judaism is its fluid and ever changing nature, “I find so much new meaning in it all the time.” Raanan takes pride in wearing his kippah, a head covering that Jewish men wear. He confesses that growing up he did not always feel comfortable wearing his kippah in public, but given the current climate, it is important for him to wear it because it is symbolic of his Jewish identity and pride.
Raanan finds the Bayit’s Shabbat atmosphere especially powerful. Even though a minority of those living in the house observe Shabbat, house rules dictate that common spaces must respect religious tradition. As such, from Friday evening to Saturday night, no one uses technology in the living room. This creates the space for students to celebrate the spirit of Shabbat, gather and talk, undistracted by their mobile devices.
The Bayitniks typically go to Friday night dinners at Chabad together, and return to the house bringing anyone who wants to join with them. They play board games until late hours of the night–sometimes beating out the frat parties next door. For Raanan, this custom enables, “24 hours of being immersed in your Jewish identity once a week.”
Lavie sits across from Raanan. He is a fourth-year Mathematics of Computation major who transferred to UCLA last year. He is not religious, but connects strongly with Jewish culture and values. The Bayit offers him a tight-knit community that he can rely on. When asked what aspect of his Judaism he takes most pride in, he beams, “it is like a family.”
Ilan, a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student, warms his hands by the fire. He describes the Bayit as the “epitome of Jewish community.” He takes pride in contributing toward the inclusivity and warmth of the Jewish community. Like Hannah, Ilan also emphasizes the importance of Jewish community, “Wherever you go, the Jewish community will welcome you with open arms.”
