KU Hillel brought together Jewish students in a safe fashion to start 5781 in style (and good health). They held their annual Rosh Hashanah service — the first major in-person holiday service they have hosted during the pandemic. It was so important to KU Hillel to offer High Holidays experiences in a safe manner for students and staff because now more than ever, connecting with each other offline is crucial.
New guidelines, a different setting and masks made procedures different than they used to be, but that didn’t stop KU Hillel from hosting a meaningful and inspiring service.
The services were hosted outdoors at the Murphy Hall Courtyard so KU Hillel could adhere to university guidelines and be easily accessible to students who live on-campus. Students first used the CVKey app to verify that they had no coronavirus symptoms, and then were greeted by Ira Kirschner, KU Hillel’s assistant director, always a warm and friendly face. They had the choice between taking a provided folding chair and sitting around the center of the courtyard or sitting on picnic blankets in the front — all at least 6 feet apart. Many students loved having the opportunity to safely chat with friends who they have not seen in months.
Services commenced around 6 p.m. Students were provided with printed machzors and a bag containing an apple, some honey and a Swedish Fish (some Sephardic Jews eat fish heads on Rosh Hashanah for the “head” of the year). Rabbi Neal Schuster and Noah Kahn, KU junior, led services with guitars in hand. The shofar was blown with a mask over it by Maya Griswold, a KU Master of Music student who studies oboe. The addition of a mask covering the shofar is a way to reduce the potential spread of germs without diminishing the sound.
“It was so nice to spend Erev Rosh Hashanah with our KU community,” Ben Novorr, KU senior, said. “Community is so important right now and I was so grateful to be able to be together.”
Rabbi Schuster’s sermon was impassioned and captivating, touching on current events such as the wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and ending with his hope for a better year in 5781.
“I thought [the sermon] was really applicable to us being the student body,” Josie Safir, KU freshman, said. “I like how he highlighted some of the most important events going on in the world, but then ended with a message of hope and positivity.”
Following services, a kosher dinner was served afterward. Delicious lemon-turmeric chicken, green beans, rice, salad and vegan cookies were ready for students, safely handled and prepared by KU Catering. Students had the option of eating in the courtyard from a safe distance or taking their food to eat at home. Many students chose to linger, chatting from opposite sides of the blankets or gathering in small groups to eat dinner.
KU Hillel’s Yom Kippur services were held on Sunday, Sept. 27, in the Murphy Hall Courtyard, with a delicious kosher dinner served before services.