August 2021
Elul 5781
Dear Bet Am Shalom College Students,
Yet again we enter a new year surrounded by the doubts and confusion of the pandemic. You are no doubt safe and sound on your campus, ready to begin a fantastic year of study and growth “in person.” Thank goodness.
But I know you will continue to practice caution in every way. Lives depend on it – yours and many others.
As the school year opens, I hope you will be able to involve yourselves in social causes as well as academic learning. You want to matter in the world. College is a great place to learn how to do that.
As you encounter many different people with many different points of view, I pray that you don’t experience the antisemitism that is rearing its head around our country and our world. Just as you would never express hurtful language or behavior to anyone because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other aspect of their identity, so you have the right to feel safe in your Jewish identity. Whether it comes from the “right” or the “left,” antisemitism is never acceptable. Don’t stand for it! Let me know if you need our help or advice.
And please find your way to your campus Hillel during these big holy days, or tune in online to Bet Am Shalom. Either way you celebrate the new year, we will be thinking of you and wishing you blessings.
