Dear Barnard Community,
The Jewish high holidays centered around the Jewish New Year will take place from mid-September to mid-October this fall semester.
Our diverse community of Jewish students observe and celebrate these holidays in different ways. For some this is a deeply spiritual month, for others this time is marked by connecting with family and friends and for some, they choose not to engage in the holidays. Observances can include fasting, extended prayer services, and ritual and communal meals. Our purpose is to be respectful and inclusive of the variety of Jewish religious and spiritual practices during this important season.
The key dates during the Jewish Fall 2022 holiday season are as follows:
- Rosh Hashanah – Sunday evening, September 25 through Tuesday night, September 27
- Yom Kippur – Tuesday evening, October 4 through Wednesday night, October 5
- Sukkot (1st Days) – Sunday evening, October 9 through Tuesday night, October 11
- Sukkot (2nd Days) – Sunday evening, October 16 through Tuesday night, October 18
Faculty and Administrators
- Many observant Jewish students are prohibited from attending class or doing coursework during these specific holidays; some religious traditions also preclude using electronics – phones, transportation and computers – during these times.
- If faculty need assistance or have questions about any students in their classes, they may reach out to the student’s Class Dean.
- For specific inquiries about the Jewish holidays, please reach out to Rabbi Yonah Hain.
Students
- Students seeking religious accommodations for their observation of the holidays should contact their professors as soon as possible.
- Students are responsible to make up their work and be prepared for the next session.
- If students encounter any difficulties in completing work for their classes, they should contact their Class Dean for support and guidance.
- For questions about the Jewish holidays and religious accommodations, students can reach out to Rabbi Hain.
Dining
- More information about the Barnard Kosher at Hewitt Dining schedule will be posted soon.
Programming
- Jewish life at Barnard/Columbia offers many ways to celebrate these holidays. The holiday meals, prayer services, community service opportunities, and other holiday-themed experiences are open to all students. Many of these offerings are housed in the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life (W. 115th between Broadway and Riverside).
We wish all who are observing a shanah tovah, a happy and healthy new year.
Sincerely,
Leslie Grinage
Dean of the College
Jennifer Rosales
Vice President for Inclusion and Engaged Learning, and Chief Diversity Officer