As Rosh Hashanah Approaches, DU Reflects

This October, millions of Jewish people around the world will observe Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. A time for celebration and deep introspection, Rosh Hashanah invites individuals and communities to contemplate their actions of the past year, consider the ways they have grown and strive for a better year ahead. 

The 4D Experience at the University of Denver is rooted in values we hold dear: intellectual growth, excellence, character and well-being. We support students by modeling and providing opportunities for respectful dialogue and intentional reflection. We’re reaffirming our commitment to all DU students, families and community members by acknowledging our imperfections and recognizing opportunities for growth during the 2024-2025 school year.

Considering the importance of the holiday to Jewish communities in Denver and around the world and the alignment with DU’s own values regarding reflection and introspection, we take this opportunity to reflect on this past year. 

Reflecting on this past year

This past year included several initiatives that we’re proud of that highlight our commitment to civil dialogue, listening and understanding for all students, faculty and staff. 

One hundred days after the start of the Israel-Hamas war, on January 17, the University hosted a panel discussion featuring faculty from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies and DU’s Center for Judaic Studies. 

"Thank you for being a part of community that’s dedicated to learning and understanding these deep complex issues of this war that we are all enduring,” Chancellor Jeremy Haefner said to 100 in-person and more than 1,000 online participants that included students, staff and community members.

"This is a space where we can engage in reflective thinking, where we can have moments of greater learning and understanding, where we can exhibit civil discourse in a culture of respect and deep appreciation of the plurality of thought, not just in this war but in all things.” 

The University also hosted an event called “Holding Hope: A Muslim and a Jew in Dialogue” in February with 30 students and 25 staff, faculty and administrators. “The event was a blend of raw, honest sharing of the lived experiences of ourselves, our families and communities, and it was wrapped in a spirit of hope,” said Sarah Pessin, DU’s director of spiritual life.

Pessin’s primary goal is supporting students across spiritual wellbeing, religious pluralism, religious and spiritual identity, and interfaith bridging, but in the past year, it has gained even more importance. She advises DU’s registered religious student organizations, which she calls “The Amazing 8.”

One of her major initiatives was the Spiritual Supper Club, where 20 students learned how to cook various religious and cultural foods from a trained chef. The students then served the food to 50 participants and shared stories about a food or holiday that was important to them. Planning for the next Spiritual Supper Club is underway. 

For Passover, Pessin and Jewish students, staff and faculty, alongside DU Dining and Hillel and Chabad members, did a “takeover” of a dining hall station for eight days and 25 kosher-style meals. The group also integrated food into other stations, such as lettuce wrap options at the grill station and Passover noodles at the pasta station. The event was an opportunity to support Jewish students in the practice of their faith as well as educate non-Jewish students on the religion’s customs. Since Passover happened to coincide with Family Weekend, there were also certified kosher options for families and Passover goody bags with welcome letters and contacts for local resources. 

The president of Hillel also hosted a “matzah-gram” craft event in partnership with Pessin and other students. Participants wrote messages to recipients on cards and on the back were QR codes that directed recipients to learn more about the holiday and about matzah. The group delivered more than 80 matzah-grams across campus. 

Our Residential Experience Survey indicated 87% of students believe they belong and matter, 93% of students believe they have an active role in their community, and 89% of students believe that they can better empathize and understand other's experiences. Our hope is to increase that percentage even more with additional initiatives this upcoming year. 

Looking ahead 

In examining the ways in which we can better support students, we have lined up a variety of programs and services for the academic year.

As students move onto and near campus this fall, we want to make residential life comfortable and feel like home. The Oasis Space in Nelson Hall is open to all students and provides a rejuvenating place for relaxation and mindfulness. The religious accommodations request process allows students on the DU meal plan to receive religious-based food accommodations in all our dining halls. 

This fall, the University will host a wide array of freedom of expression classes, events and panels to continue fostering a place where all voices are heard and valued. DU is also launching a group called "SING" (Spiritual Inclusivity Group) to help students interested in religious and spiritual life build community and get involved on campus right away. 

In September, the University will kick off 100 Days of Spiritual Wellness. Events include a 
Spiritual Shareout on Driscoll Bridge, where students will post sticky notes expressing what spiritual life means to them and enjoy activities including a Light Labyrinth reflective walk; pause and play prompts to spend 30 minutes re-charging with music, ambient noise or podcasts; and group glow bike rides on Monday evenings for students to build community on two wheels. 

Mending the world 

Our commitment to our community is that we’re always listening, learning and growing. The Hebrew phrase “tikkun olam,” which roughly translates to “mending the world,” aligns with our mission to provide an inclusive community experience as a private university dedicated to the public good. We’re not perfect, nor did we get everything right in a year that provided many challenges. We believe it’s necessary to take the time and space to reflect on some things that we’re proud of as well as the tangible actions we’re taking in the year to come to promote healing and community.