I’m writing with the devastating news that 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 groundbreaking scholar, a visionary leader, a passionate activist, and a devoted teacher. For so many members of this community and the Jewish Studies world across the globe, though, David was much more. He was a friend, mentor, and role model – someone whose warmth, generosity, and deep and abiding care for those around him transformed and inspired lives. He was someone who made CU Boulder, Colorado, and academia a home for so many of us.
The Mishnah teaches that each person should make for themselves a friend, acquire for themselves a teacher, and judge everyone favorably. David exemplified what friendship, learning, and embracing – and changing – the world truly mean. We are grateful for the time that we had with him, and heartbroken by his loss.
May his memory be for a blessing.
Elias Sacks
Director, Program in Jewish Studies
University of Colorado Boulder