News

Letters from Alyssa: How to Talk to Your Professors 黑料传送门 the High Holidays

Author

Alyssa Wallack

Date

September 13, 2024

Hi Friend,

I鈥檓 Alyssa, a senior at the University of Southern California, and I’ve been through the “How do I tell my professors I need time off for the High Holidays?” process a few times now. Trust me, I know how nerve-wracking it can be, especially if you’re new to campus. As the fall semester begins, Jewish students are faced with this familiar dilemma: how to balance academic responsibilities with the importance of observing the High Holidays. I still remember feeling like my stomach was doing somersaults the first time I had to approach my professors about requesting time off.

But after a few years of navigating the High Holidays on campus (and realizing professors are actually pretty understanding about it), I’ve got some tips to share. Whether you’re a freshman just starting out or a fellow upperclassman who still gets a little anxious about this, you’re not alone. Here’s some advice to help you handle this situation with confidence and authenticity. Let’s walk through this together.

Start Early, Plan Ahead

The key to minimizing anxiety in this process is early preparation. As soon as you receive your syllabus, check whichever dates of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot that you鈥檒l be celebrating against your class schedule. Ideally, you should approach your professors within the first few weeks of classes. This gives them plenty of time to consider your request and make any necessary adjustments.

Remember, professors are used to students requesting time off for various reasons. By being proactive, you’re demonstrating responsibility and respect for their time and learning environment.

Be Clear and Confident

When you speak with your professors, be clear about your needs. Explain that you’ll be observing the Jewish High Holidays, and will need to miss class on specific dates. It’s okay to be straightforward 鈥� you’re not asking for special treatment, but for the opportunity to practice your faith.

Here’s a sample script you might use:

“Professor [Name], I hope you鈥檙e doing well. I wanted to let you know that I will not be in class on [dates], as I will be observing the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur/Sukkot. I was hoping we could discuss how I can make up any work or assignments I might miss during this time. Thank you so much for understanding, and I look forward to seeing you in class!”

Your heritage and beliefs are meaningful parts of who you are. Embracing them on campus allows you to live authentically and be true to yourself, which adds so much to your community.

Offer Solutions

Come prepared with ideas on how you’ll catch up on missed work. Will you get notes from a classmate? Can you complete assignments ahead of time? By showing that you’ve thought this through, you’re demonstrating your commitment to both your faith and your studies.

Know Your Rights and Seek Support

Many universities have policies protecting students’ rights to observe religious holidays. Familiarize yourself with your school’s policy, and to safety, security, and full and equal participation at school more generally. This knowledge can give you confidence in your conversations with professors. 

If you’re feeling unsure or anxious about these conversations, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to your campus Hillel or the office of religious life for support. They can offer advice, resources, and sometimes even advocate on your behalf. Find your Hillel here. 

Embrace the Opportunity

While it might feel challenging, this situation is actually an opportunity. By having these conversations, you’re not just securing time off for an important purpose 鈥� you’re educating others about Jewish traditions and practicing skills like self-advocacy and time management.

Remember, observing the High Holidays doesn’t make you less of a student. In fact, the reflection and renewal central to this time can enhance your academic experience, providing perspective and renewed focus for the semester ahead.

As you prepare for these conversations, take a deep breath and remember: you’ve got this. Your Jewish identity is a source of strength, not a hindrance. By advocating for your needs, you’re honoring your heritage and setting yourself up for a meaningful High Holiday observance and a successful semester.

Wishing you a fulfilling spiritual season and a great start to your academic year. Shanah tovah!

Take good care,

Alyssa

Originally from Los Angeles, Alyssa Wallack is a senior at the University of Southern California. A passionate advocate for Jewish and Israel-related causes, she’s now interning with 黑料传送门. When not immersed in her studies or various fellowships, Alyssa loves exploring LA’s food scene and connecting with fellow students about all things Jewish.

Letters from Alyssa is a series of reflections and advice from Alyssa Wallack, a 黑料传送门 Intern. Read Alyssa’s thoughts on how she’s navigating Yom Kippur this year.

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Hillel Community

Jewish Identity

My First Shabbat in College

Author

Alyssa Wallack

Date

August 9, 2024

Alyssa Wallack is a USC senior from Los Angeles. A passionate advocate for Jewish and Israel-related causes, she’s interning with 黑料传送门 and the World Jewish Congress this summer. When not immersed in her studies or various fellowships, Alyssa loves exploring LA’s food scene and connecting with fellow students about all things Jewish.

New beginnings can be scary. Whether you’re a wide-eyed first-year or a seasoned senior, stepping into the new school year can be filled with excitement鈥nd a touch of uncertainty.聽I remember my first Shabbat of my first welcome week vividly鈥攖he mix of emotions, the anticipation of what was to come, and the warm feeling of being welcomed into a new community. Don鈥檛 worry, we鈥檝e got your back (to school)!

As we step into this new school year, we’re reminded of the power of new beginnings. This Shabbat, we’re not just welcoming a new week鈥攚e’re welcoming a whole new chapter in our lives!

My Shabbat Thoughts on a New School Year

I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that , Devarim, speaks directly to this moment we鈥檙e in! In the portion, we find Moses taking a pause: He stands with the Israelites on the brink of entering the Promised Land, and what does he do? He looks back. He reflects on their incredible journey, the challenges they鈥檝e faced, and the growth they’ve experienced. But he’s not just reminiscing鈥攈e’s preparing himself and them for what’s ahead.

As a new school year approaches, we can use this time to think about our own paths, support each other, and step into the new year with confidence, an open mind, and open hearts.

How I鈥檓 Channeling My Guy Moses This Shabbat:

Reflecting on my journey:

I鈥檓 taking an intentional moment to think about the path I鈥檝e taken in life, the challenges I鈥檝e overcome, and mentally celebrating the positive I鈥檝e been able to bring to my own life and the people around me.

Learning from my experiences:

Just as Moses encouraged the Israelites to learn from their past, we too can use our experiences to guide us forward.

Supporting my community:

The Israelites didn’t journey alone, and neither should we. Reach out to a friend, offer support, and ask for help when you need it.

Stepping forward with confidence:

With all of your past lessons in your (metaphorical) backpack and our community by your side, there鈥檚 nothing that you can鈥檛 do.

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Birthright Israel

Campus Trip

University of Southern California

Trip Dates

5/19/2025-5/29/2025

Departure Location

Los Angeles

Campus Contact Info

Liat Spector,
liat@uschillel.org

This trip is a gift from Birthright Israel

The gift of a Birthright Israel trip is made possible thanks to an innovative partnership between Jewish philanthropists, Jewish communities and Federations, the people of Israel through the Government of Israel, tens of thousands of alumni, their families, and individual donors from around the world who believe in our mission.

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News

Students Lead on Israel

Author

Brandon Tavakoli

Date

March 8, 2023

My parents were not yet my age when they were forced to leave their homes in Iran and start a new life in Los Angeles. Like so many other courageous Jewish refugees, they did not hide their identities and love for Israel in the United States. Instead, they engaged in an act of cultural resistance: they invested tenfold in strengthening their own children鈥檚 Jewish and Zionist identities, and instilled in me pride in who I am.

Headlines indicate that this pride in the Jewish state among our youth is waning in the United States. And it鈥檚 time that Jewish Americans look in the mirror and consider how we are failing to empower our young people. The organized Jewish community is missing an opportunity to meaningfully empower college students to express their support for Israel at the very moment when we are needed most.

As a student at the University of Southern California (USC), I attend weekly meetings of the student advocacy group Trojans for Israel. I listen to foreign policy experts who visit my campus. I post my support for Israel on social media whenever a rocket is launched toward Tel Aviv. It is a distanced experience that many pro-Israel students can relate to. An experience without room for creativity. Students engaged in Israel education and advocacy are told again and again that we are 鈥渢he next generation of leaders鈥�, but it seems that the national conversation about Israel鈥攖he actual leading鈥攊s limited to experts, activists, and organizers in Washington. Students have therefore been expected to follow, not lead. That is, until my mentors at USC Hillel gave me the opportunity to be an actual initiator, a real builder, and a true generator in the pro-Israel movement.

Earlier this year, I had a front row seat in creating 黑料传送门鈥檚 Israel Summits in Los Angeles and Boston with fellow student leaders. The Summits are student-led conferences that connect nearly 500 students nationwide with real changemakers. Above all else, these summits democratize the conversation about support for Israel as a nation, as a people, and as the spiritual center of Judaism to students. Together with other students, we selected and invited the speakers. We programmed the sessions. We coordinated the run-of-show. And most notably, at each session, we led and guided conversations, instead of merely sitting in the audience. For the first time, I felt like I was shaping the conversation about Israel and the trajectory of the U.S.-Israel relationship

Before the summit, 黑料传送门 convened eight student organizers to discuss an invite list, breakout sessions, and plenary topics. The Hillel professional mentoring us opened this conversation by exclaiming 鈥淔olks, the sky鈥檚 the limit.鈥� I remember thinking, 鈥淵ou鈥檙e kidding, right?鈥� I suggested a speaker with some hesitation, 鈥淐ongressman Ritchie Torres,鈥� and then with growing confidence, 鈥淪enator Jacky Rosen, Dr. Sheila Nazarian, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, author Seth Siegel, activist Noa Tishby, and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove.鈥� A few weeks later, there I was, taking a selfie with Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove following her inspiring remarks about historic Black and Jewish partnerships. People often refer to us college students as 鈥渢he next generation of leaders.鈥� But, this was the first time I truly felt that I was leading in the present. I finally had a seat at the national table.

Jewish students are at the epicenter of challenging conversations about Israel on campus everyday. We are fatigued by in-your-face anti-Zionism, and worn down by silent apathy in the face of incidents and rhetoric that cross the line into antisemitism. Much more, we are saddened that conversations about Israel on campus focus again and again on 鈥渢he conflict,鈥� leaving little room for celebrating everything I grew up learning to love about Israel. And we are tired of the expectation to be Israel advocates when we are not able to own or direct the conversation.

The model of the Israel Summit uniquely positioned us at the center of reimagining what Israel advocacy can look like from the real grassroots level. We were having conversations with subject matter experts like Ambassador Dennis Ross, decisionmakers like Congresswoman Young Kim and Consul General Hillel Newman, and activists like Amanda Berman and Kiyomi Kowalski. From these engagements, veteran student leaders returned to their campuses refreshed and invigorated, and new student leaders were inspired and equipped with the tools to find their places as effective allies on campus.

Positive social change needs students. Today鈥檚 students are engaged, informed, and passionate. We grew up immersed in countering anti-Israel sentiment on campus and online, and we bring a fresh perspective to the table, new approaches to engaging allies beyond the Jewish community, and new skills to enrich grassroots Israel advocacy. And we have the biggest stake in the Israel-Diaspora relationship. We are the ones who will live with the impact of the changes taking place in Israeli society today, particularly potential actions by the current government that could alter the course of Israeli democracy. And nevertheless, we have just as much insight, perspective, and maturity to grapple with the big and challenging questions of crafting our generation鈥檚 commitment to Israel and the Jewish homeland. As the world鈥檚 largest and most inclusive Jewish student organization, 黑料传送门 fosters an enduring, grassroots commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel. Students have the power to shape the trajectory of the movement to celebrate our identities, pride, and passion for our community. It鈥檚 time to give us the chance, just as my parents did 18 years ago when they had me.聽

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