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 ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder, Colorado, 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 Colorado Boulder

elias.sacks@colorado.eduÌý ÌýÌý