New center hopes to appeal to everyone

A piece of historical Jerusalem will become a permanent fixture
of UCLA as construction for the new Yitzhak Rabin Jewish Student
Center enters its final stages.

The new center, located near the corner of Hilgard and
Strathmore Avenues, is slated to open its doors to students,
faculty and community members for a dedication ceremony on Nov.
17.

“The building will serve as a place where people can cross
boundaries,” said head of UCLA Hillel Rabbi Chaim
Seidler-Feller. “We have an opportunity to create a warm and
spiritual place that will be inviting and will function as a
communal gathering space.

“And it’s important that people feel that they have
a sense of home here at UCLA.”

The three-story building is an amalgamation of Middle-Eastern
design with a touch of modern comforts. The center’s
Jerusalem stone facade and architecture presents a spiritual
connection to the past as arched hallways and stone-like slate
floors provide the look of an old Jerusalem street.

“The walk from the west entrance of the building to the
east of the building is a journey through Jewish history and the
dwelling places of the Jewish people,” Seidler-Feller
said. “The symbolism is so important because the
building itself educates and inspires.”

Planners and students worked side by side to develop the Hillel
theme of pluralism throughout the facility.

Hebrew inscriptions, mobile artwork as well as student art will
decorate the center’s walls. Ten glass floor panels
containing soil from foreign countries, such as Iraq and Russia
where students are from, will also be found throughout the first
floor.

The center will also provide study halls, computer facilities, a
game room and office space for student groups. A coffee bar
featuring a performance stage will also provide a new hangout spot
for students.

The third floor will house a full kitchen facility that will
provide food adhering to kosher and Muslim dietary needs. Another
special feature includes a large multipurpose auditorium with
soundproof dividers where different religious denominations will be
able to perform their services simultaneously.

The $6 million construction costs were provided through
private  donors and community supporters, Seidler-Feller
said. More fundraisers will be held to raise money to support
the center’s growing programs and daily operation.

Hillel administrators and students hope that the new center will
not only offer a positive learning environment but also serve as a
touchstone to their Jewish culture.

“It’s going to offer so much not just to Jewish
students, but the entire campus,” said fourth-year political
science student Gabe Ross. “The hope will be that this will
be the center for student activities. It will be inviting not just
for the religious aspects, but will allow people to identify
positively with their Judaism.”

Seidler-Feller said the new center will be a welcome change from
the first floor of the University Religious Conference where the
Hillel offices have been stationed since 1980.

“The other place is simply not inviting and
comfortable,” Seidler-Feller said. “Students tell me
that it feels like a cold set of offices.”

Students see the new center as a welcoming edition ““ a
place to relax and study close to campus.

“I think it’s going to be gorgeous “¦
I’ve been hoping for a place like this since I got to
UCLA,” said fourth-year political science and history student
Justin Levi, who was president of the Jewish Student Union last
year. “Right now the place where Hillel is located is unknown
and kind of secluded ““ it’s not a very welcoming
atmosphere. This new center will definitely attract a lot of people
and will create a sense of openness.”

Jewish leaders hope the new facility will further foster the
Hillel philosophy of pluralism throughout the campus community.

“The message is “˜welcome’ ““ this is your
space,” Seidler-Feller said. “I’d like to say
this is where the revolution begins.”