I’m writing with the devastating newsÌýthat our beloved friend and colleague, Professor David Shneer, passed away on the morning of November 4th after a long battle with cancer. David was many things – a groundbreakingÌýscholar,Ìýa visionary leader, a passionate activist, and a devoted teacher. For soÌýmany members of this community and the Jewish Studies world across the globe,Ìýthough, David was much more. He was a friend,Ìýmentor, and role model –Ìýsomeone whose warmth, generosity, and deep and abiding care for those around himÌýtransformed and inspired lives. He was someoneÌýwho made CU Boulder, babyÖ±²¥app, and academiaÌýa home for so many of us.
The Mishnah teaches that each personÌýshould make for themselves a friend, acquire for themselves a teacher, and judgeÌýeveryone favorably. David exemplified what friendship, learning, and embracing –ÌýandÌýchanging – the world truly mean. We are grateful for the time that we hadÌýwith him, and heartbroken by his loss.
May his memory be for a blessing.
Ìý
Elias Sacks
Director, Program in Jewish Studies
University of babyÖ±²¥app Boulder
elias.sacks@colorado.eduÌý ÌýÌý