Published: Nov. 4, 2020
Professor David Shneer z"l

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 Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder, Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ, 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 Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder

elias.sacks@colorado.eduÌý ÌýÌý