Dozens of members of the Quinnipiac Jewish community gathered behind the Peter C. Hereld House for Jewish Life to celebrate Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish faith.
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is a holy day in which Jews make amends for their sins and forgive others.
Rabbi Reena Judd oversaw what she described as a “learning service.” She described each ceremony and prayer to students attending to help them learn more about their faith.
Yom Kippur is a strict day of rest for the Jewish people, which is why many schools and businesses recognize it with a day off. Jews spend the fasting, praying and in deep reflection.
The ceremony was shorter than usual due to both the threat of COVID-19 and rain, but as Judd began the service, the sun began to peek out.
Judd spoke of the need for those present to forgive others who have hurt them, to atone for their sins and hope for forgiveness. Despite the heavy subject matter, Judd greeted each attendant with a smile and wave.
“Any community, irrelevant of size, is such a waste of potential if it doesn’t work towards being strong,” Judd said.
Kenn Venit, a former professor of 19 years at Quinnipiac, gave a short sermon during the service.
He spoke on the importance of voting and reminded people that Jews were not always able to vote in America.
Some states had religious requirements for voting or holding political office in their state constitutions until the U.S. Constitution banned such practices when it was ratified in 1788. Even then, Maryland kept Jewish people out of state office due to a law requiring candidates to affirm a belief in the afterlife, which was not repealed until 1828.
Venit also talked about the importance of community. While he spoke, he donned a 62-year-old tallit over his shoulders that he wore on the day of his bar mitzvah.
The service looked much different to years past. Chairs were set up outside the Hereld House at a social distance and attendees wore masks.
Despite it all, Judd saw her community gather and only saw joy.
“That was a blessing of a service,” Judd said. “There were so many people.”
She then turned to a group of students leaving, called them out one at a time by name and told them that she loved them and wished them an easy fast.