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 Jewish students, a diverse community, 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 some 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.
Key dates during the Jewish Fall 2023 holiday season are as follows:
- Rosh Hashanah - from sunset Friday, September 15 - to nightfall Sunday, September 17
- Yom Kippur - from sunset Sunday, September 24 - to nightfall Monday, September 25
- Sukkot - from sunset Friday, September 29 - to nightfall Friday, October 6
- Shmini Atzeret - from sunset Friday, October 6- to nightfall Saturday, October 7
- Simchat Torah - from sunset Saturday, October 7 - to nightfall Sunday, October 8
Resources
Our newly created Religious and Spiritual Resources page is a point of reference for religious and non-religious community members navigating our campus community. On the page we have a Religious Holiday Calendar which can be added to your own Google Calendars. We encourage everyone to consult this calendar when scheduling events.
For questions pertaining to religious identity, practice, and experience at Barnard College, email: dei@barnard.edu
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 (rabbi@columbia.edu).
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 (rabbi@columbia.edu).
Dining
More information about the Barnard Kosher at Hewitt Dining schedule will be posted soon at https://dineoncampus.com/barnard.
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. Information about many of these offerings can be found at the Kraft Center, as well as Chabad at Columbia.
We wish all who are observing a shanah tovah, a happy and healthy new year.
Sincerely,
Leslie Grinage, EdD
Vice President for Campus Life and Student Experience
Dean of the College
Jennifer Rosales, PhD
Vice President for Inclusion and Engaged Learning
Chief Diversity Officer