– Additional reporting and photos by Athena Ebuen and David Ajtun
May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the history, culture and contributions of Jewish American communities across the country. CSUN Newsroom spoke with Jewish American Matadors about the traditions, values and experiences that connect them to their heritage. Their stories also highlight the campus moments that have shaped their sense of belonging and the ways their identities guide how they show up at CSUN — and beyond.
Kaela Noik “I am resilient.”
For Kaela Noik, 23, a senior majoring in cinema and television arts (CTVA) – television production – narrative option, resilience has meant learning to adjust without losing sight of what gives her purpose. In fall 2023, three months after arriving at CSUN, Noik was diagnosed with POTS — postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome — after a head injury. She said living with the autonomic nervous system disorder, which can cause symptoms such as a fast heartbeat, fainting and exhaustion, changed her timeline to graduation and forced her to rethink her original goal of working as a cinematographer in TV and film. Since then, she has developed new passions for production management, production accounting and post-production supervision. “I could not have made this transition without the support of the narrative television [program],” Noik said.
Noik also found community through Hillel 818, a hub for Jewish student life at CSUN. When she arrived at CSUN as a junior, the CTVA major said she searched for a place where she could be herself.
“As I hesitantly approached the Hillel 818 table, I was warmly welcomed by the staff,” she said. “From the first enthusiastic ‘hello,’ I knew that Hillel was the place for me.” In the years since, Noik has taken part in Jewish Learning Fellowship courses, Friday-night Shabbat services and campus programs, while serving in leadership roles that have deepened her connection to her Jewish roots and the extended Jewish community.
As she found support in her program and community through Hillel, Noik said, she became more connected to her Jewish roots and more aware of the kind of future she wants to pursue. “Hillel has deepened my connection to my Jewish roots and the extended Jewish community, which I will carry forward for the rest of my life,” she said. As her career goals evolved, she also has stayed open to work that aligns with her values. “Instead of looking too far into the future, I am trying to stay focused and empowered by what I am capable of right now,” she said.
At CSUN, Noik said, she’s grown more “compassionate, present, adaptable and connected.”
Elan Ankri “I am passionate.”
As a 21-year-old history major preparing for a future in teaching, Elan Ankri’s passion guides how he approaches his studies, his identity and the communities he hopes to serve, he said. Ankri said he is drawn to history because it reveals patterns that can help people better understand the present and avoid repeating mistakes. “I want to be involved with the next generation,” he said. “If I can help push them in the right direction or at least guide them with good principles, that’s [my] main goal.”
That passion is also rooted in how Ankri understands his Jewish identity. He described himself as “an Israelite,” a word he said connects him to a larger sense of morals, knowledge and belonging. Ankri, who is African Jewish and Salvadoran Jewish, said he is passionate about his cultures, his studies and social justice. He pointed to the Jewish values of doing acts of kindness, giving and tikkun olam, repairing the world, as guides for how he supports others. “I’m passionate about trying to heal the world as much as possible,” he said.
Ankri told Newsroom he has found connection through Jewish campus communities including Hillel and Chabad, where traditions and gatherings have helped him feel more rooted. Friday-night Shabbat dinners are meaningful because students can gather, learn and feel welcomed, he said.
“You can always just walk in and know that you’ll be welcomed by this community,” Ankri said. After growing up without a large Jewish community around him, CSUN has connected him to more Jewish students, organizations and opportunities for spiritual and social growth. “CSUN has given me this beautiful community,” he said.
At CSUN, Ankri said, he’s grown more “active.”
Bruce Caballero “I am grateful.”
The 21-year-old senior majoring in cinema and television arts – television production – narrative option, told Newsroom that his sense of gratitude is tied to the people, friendships and opportunities he has found at CSUN. As he works toward a future in the film industry, Caballero said the connections he has made on campus have led to opportunities beyond CSUN, including work on film projects and connections with other Jewish creatives. “I’m very grateful that I’m here at CSUN, that I’ve met the people that I’ve met,” he said. “I’m very happy with where I am and where I’m going.”
One tradition that continues to ground him is Shabbat with his family, something he has practiced since childhood. “Shabbat every Friday with my family … makes me feel very, very connected to my roots,” Caballero said. The weekly dinner and prayers have helped him feel connected to his ancestors, his heritage and who he is, he added.
That sense of consistency has shaped how Caballero approaches his life at CSUN. Even when his schedule makes it harder to practice every Friday, he said Shabbat reminds him that commitment matters. “If I can do this every Friday, I can do this like every week and go to class and just do my best,” he said. At CSUN, those lessons have helped him keep going as a student and filmmaker, while the friendships he has built have helped him believe more deeply in his own abilities. “It’s been a great experience… and it [helped] to build myself,” he said.
At CSUN, Caballero said, he’s grown more “confident.”
