Sepharadi/Orthodox Life at SMC
The majority of Jewish students are from Sepharadi backgrounds.JLIC brings a sense of community to the Jewish students on campus, who all live at home in the surrounding communities and commute to SMC for class, and JLIC is essential to helping these students make Jewish friends on campus, through the Torah opportunities and social programs organized. During the week, there are many JLIC learning opportunities for students to partake in including one-on-one study with Rabbi Nick and Orit. Social events include start of semester meet-and-greets, barbeques, and game nights. There are also many chagim related activities and a monthly Rosh Chodesh ladies events.
Shabbat
On Shabbat, JLIC programming takes place in the Pico Robertson community of L.A, where students reside. The Faguets host students for Shabbat meals, give shiurim in the community, and some students hang out at the educators’ home on Shabbat afternoon. Occasionally, the Faguets have a communal seudah shelishit in their home. Chabad also runs Shabbat programming and hosts students for meals.
Kosher Dining
Students live at home and bring their own lunches to school. There are pre-packaged kosher sandwiches in the cafeteria, and many kosher restaurants are located not far from campus. Many of JLIC’s shiurim on campus include a food component, like a lunch and learn.
One Big L.A. JLIC Family
Santa Monica College is a two-year community college. Each year many of the local Jewish students transfer from SMC to UCLA. SMC students are also invited to (and do) participate in joint programming with JLIC at UCLA, including Megillah reading, Spring Shabbaton, and social events to help facilitate a smooth transition for students transferring from SMC to UCLA.