CSUMB’s Jewish Student Union provides support and a cultural window

By Mark Muckenfuss

When Bo Downey arrived at CSUMB, he felt he had wandered into an ethnic wilderness, at least in terms of his Jewish heritage. 

“I felt lonely the first few months, not knowing if there were other Jewish students,” said Downey, a sophomore from Northridge majoring in environmental studies. 

Eventually, he connected with the Jewish Student Union. This year, he is the group’s president. 

Last year’s leaders were all graduating in Spring 2025, so they asked Downey to carry on as its leader. 

As National Jewish American Heritage Month approaches in May, Downey said the Jewish Student Union has enjoyed a year of growth. Last year’s 12 members have nearly doubled to 23. 

“I think it's important to have this community so that new students coming to this school feel like they belong in this place,” Downey said. “It’s a great place to socialize.”

It’s also important, he said, to mark May’s monthlong recognition of Jewish culture. 

“I am very conscious of Jewish heritage in the world today,” Downey said. “I think a lot of people don’t know truly what Judaism is and how Jewish people are. I’ve been told by multiple people here that I’m the first Jewish person they’ve met.”

“It’s important to have holidays and landmarks for any sort of cultural background,” he said. “It’s a time to be in the spotlight and to have these conversations about Jewish heritage.”

The Jewish Student Union recently sponsored a Shabbat dinner and invited the Hillel of Santa Cruz, whose jurisdiction includes CSUMB. Downey said “a lot of officials” came from Santa Cruz to attend the event at the Otter Student Union, and were joined by several students. A couple of those students were not Jewish, he said, and were able to be engaged in a discussion about the culture.

The CSUMB group is hoping to sponsor some ongoing movie nights, where the films have a Jewish theme or a Jewish influence, and that aspect can be discussed after the screening.

Downey said he appreciates having the opportunity Jewish American Heritage Month brings. 

"Getting people to understand we’re just another ethnic group is important,” he said.