Celebrating the Class of 2021
Some of our Class of 2021 gathered under the tallit for the Priestly Blessing led by Rabbi Neal Schuster.
Every spring, senior Jayhawks look forward to the culmination of their time at KU with a few traditions: walking under the Campanile and standing together under the tallit to receive their graduation blessing from KU Hillel’s Rabbi Neal Schuster.
“Each year we invite our seniors and their families to celebrate their accomplishments, receive their Campanile mezuzah, and have a moment to intentionally pause before they leave our nest to reflect on their Jewish journey at KU,” said Suzy Sostrin, KU Hillel Executive Director.
This year, KU Hillel decided to celebrate with havdalah and dinner. As havdalah marks the start of a new week, it also marked the start of a new journey for the Class of 2021.
Havdalah is a perfect time for Hillel’s graduation ceremony. Just as havdalah marks the end of a beautiful Shabbat and welcomes in the new week, this was also a moment of transition for the seniors to reflect on what they are saying goodbye to and what they are about to start.
The outdoor location, on the terrace of HERE apartments, had picturesque views of the Campanile — perfect for the seniors who received their Campanile mezuzah created to look like the famous landmark on campus.
“I loved getting my iconic Campanile mezuzah KU Hillel gave to seniors and being together one last time,” Miriam Adler, senior, said. “I can’t wait to hang up my mezuzah at my next home.”
Following havdalah, Rabbi Neal gathered the seniors under a tallit, spread out like a chuppah, and shared some final words of wisdom with the students, culminating in the Priestly Blessing. This tradition is a moving moment for classes of graduates as they feel the support of their Hillel family and their loved ones.
“Not only did I celebrate the end of my undergraduate journey surrounded by my peers and family, it also marked a personal commemoration of reuniting with loved ones nearing the end of the global pandemic,” Ilexa Axelrod, senior, said. “I believe that it was the perfect metaphor for closing one chapter and starting a new one.”
KU Hillel also creates gift bags for all the seniors.
“We give them gifts, but it’s about much more than, ‘You’re graduating, mazel tov, here’s some stuff,’” said Rabbi Neal Schuster. “Everything we prepare for the graduates is symbolic and means something; from the Campanile mezuzah, down to the number of shabbat candles we put in the bag.”
In addition to the favorite Campanile mezuzot, seniors received havdalah candles, custom embroidered KU Hillel blankets and six sets of Shabbat candles.
“Hillel’s graduation havdalah was so meaningful, being able to be surrounded by great friends, mentors, and family, all of whom helped shape my college experience,” Abrie Berkowitz, senior, said. “I’m so grateful to have been surrounded by everyone there!”
