Shanah Tovah

Dear CFA Tartans,

As our college community prepares to celebrate the academic new year at the end of the week during CFA Community Days, our Jewish community members will begin a spiritual new year as they celebrate and observe their High Holy Days. The High Holy Days take place over the next few weeks, beginning yesterday, and include Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

These holidays align with the values of our institution — they center cultural humility through self-reflection, forgiveness and community. As we aim to foster inclusion and a sense of belonging at CFA, it is important to seek understanding and move beyond our biases to celebrate our differences and our similarities. Please take the time to learn more about our Jewish brethren, to engage in community events and to support one another.

As I mentioned in a previous message, forms of oppression have no place here. Anti-semitism has no place here. Rather than allow what we do not know and understand to create fear and disconnection, let our curiosity and need for connection foster friendship.

Students, if you will miss class and/or if you need an extension on an assignment related to your celebration and observation of the High Holy Days, please inform your professors.

Shanah tovah to all who celebrate.

In community,

Valeria J. Martinez
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
College of Fine Arts