The Jewish Culture, Heritage, and Identity Faculty and Staff Association (JCHAIFSA) fosters an inclusive and supportive environment at UC Davis dedicated to celebrating and advancing Jewish culture, heritage, and identity. Open to all UC Davis employees, JCHAIFSA provides opportunities for professional development, community engagement, and education to combat antisemitism, support cultural understanding, and build meaningful connections across campus. All activities, programs, and opportunities are open to participation from all employees, regardless of background or identity.
Fostering Belonging and Growth Through JCHAIFSA
JCHAIFSA invites all UC Davis faculty and staff who support our mission to join a professional community committed to creating an inclusive campus environment. Through thoughtfully planned events, networking opportunities, mentorship, and cultural programming, members can engage, develop professionally, and contribute positively to a respectful and inclusive workplace.
Engage
JCHAIFSA promotes connection and dialogue through culturally inclusive programming, including community networking events, workshops, and celebrations. Our initiatives encourage understanding, respect, and collaboration among diverse campus communities.
Equip
JCHAIFSA offers resources and events designed to foster career development through mentorship, workshops, and speakers who provide insights from a Jewish perspective. These opportunities equip members to navigate professional advancement and institutional engagement effectively.
Empower
JCHAIFSA supports its members by creating safe spaces for dialogue, advocating against antisemitism and discrimination, and amplifying the voices of our members. We strengthen our collective ability to shape a welcoming and equitable campus environment.
Elevate
JCHAIFSA celebrates the contributions and achievements of its members through recognition initiatives and culturally significant events. By aligning our efforts with institutional equity goals, we ensure sustained visibility and acknowledgment of Jewish cultural heritage within the broader UC Davis community.
Stay Connected
Join the JCHAIFSA listserv to receive updates on events, initiatives, and opportunities to get involved. All UC Davis faculty and staff are welcome.
Support JCHAIFSA’s Cultural and Educational Programs
Your donation funds JCHAIFSA’s efforts to advance cultural understanding, address antisemitism through education, and build professional and community engagement opportunities open to all UC Davis employees. Your support sustains JCHAIFSA’s mission to foster learning and connection across campus.
For UC Davis Employees: UC Davis employees can sign-up for the Employee Contributions Program to support JCHAIFSA through monthly payroll deductions for as little as $10 a month.
When completing the form, fill out the following:
Gift Type: Ongoing Payroll Deduction
Allocation: Other . . .
What area would you like to support? Jewish Culture, Heritage, and Identity Faculty and Staff Association Fund
Chai
Chai (Hebrew: חי, ḥay) is a Hebrew word meaning “life” or “living.” In Jewish cultural tradition, it is widely understood as a symbol that expresses the importance and value of life itself. The word is formed from two Hebrew letters, chet (ח) and yud (י). Within Jewish numerological tradition, known as gematria, these letters correspond to the number 18, which has come to be associated with life and well-being. This association has influenced cultural customs that use the number 18 to convey wishes for life, blessing, and continuity.
