The mission of the Committee on Multicultural Initiatives and Diversity (COMID) is to foster our community and environment where the richness of our diversity is recognized, respected and embraced. Our view on diversity includes, but is not limited to, ethnic, racial and linguistic heritage; religious traditions; gender; sexual orientation; age; and socioeconomic status.

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Rosh Hashanah - Begins at sundown on Thursday, September 13, 2007
YOM KIPPUR - Saturday, September 22, 2007

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means the "Head of the Year." It is also called the Feast of the Trumpets.

On the first night of Rosh Hashanah, after prayer services, a special greeting is used, which is only said on this holiday, "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year." Rosh Hashanah begins ten days of reflection, which end with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. During this period, those of the Jewish faith ask for forgiveness for their sins and forgiveness of those whom they have hurt during the year. In these ten days, it is said that God writes in the "book of life" the fate of each and every person for the coming year. On Yom Kippur, the "book of life" is signed and sealed. 

In addition, on Rosh Hashanah it is customary to eat an apple dipped in honey, which symbolizes the wish for a good and sweet year. In synagogues, the "shofar" is sounded to proclaim the start of the new year.

In general, we encourage the faculty and staff to be sensitive to the possible difficulties Jewish students may have in getting all their assignments done around these holidays.

In closing, L’Shana Tova! (Have a good year!)