In an effort to continue to support our students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds, we would like to share with you that we are approaching two high Holy Days of the Jewish tradition: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Wednesday, October 2, and concludes in the evening on Friday, October 4. This holy day commemorates God’s creation of the world and offers time for reflection. As the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah provides an opportunity to center one’s actions for the upcoming year.
Yom Kippur is a time for atonement and repentance, where members of the Jewish community fast and pray. This year, the holy day will begin at sunset on Friday, October 11, and conclude on the evening of Saturday, October 12. Yom Kippur is considered to be the holiest day in Judaism.
There may be members of our campus community observing Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Please be mindful of these observances as individuals may be absent and/or require flexibility. In addition, please be considerate of how fasting may impact daily interactions both physically and mentally.
Our Jesuit mission calls for us to be people for and with others. Your willingness to support members of our community who identify as Jewish continues to put our mission into action. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to rodrig23@canisius.edu.
Resources:
- NYS Education Law
- Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo
- Buffalo Jewish Federation
- Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo
Submitted by: Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion, Academic Affairs
