Dear Friends,

This past Shabbat at Dartmouth, our tables were full. Not just with food, but with conversation, with curiosity, and with hope. Our students continue to ask thoughtful questions, to seek clarity, and to build a community rooted in Jewish values of justice, compassion, and dialogue.

Yet, this past Shabbat at Dartmouth was unlike any other.

Just moments before we lit candles and gathered around our Shabbat tables, the lone remaining tent from the student encampment on Parkhurst Lawn was quietly taken down. Headlines called it a “massive victory” for the protestors. But as Shabbat began, what felt even more significant to our students was the presence of President Sian Leah Beilock and Senior Vice President Jennifer Rosales at our Hillel Shabbat Dinner.

They came not for a photo opportunity, but with open hearts and listening ears. They sat with students, answered our weekly Torah-inspired “Question of the Week”, and offered something rare and meaningful: presence. Their warmth and sincerity did not go unnoticed. Many students shared afterward how seen and supported they felt.

President Beilock also pulled me aside to share with clarity and conviction: the College made no concessions. The legal support for international students and the continued review of divestment requests were already in motion before the encampment began. She firmly reiterated that Dartmouth will not divest from Israel and shared that disciplinary processes for policy violations are underway.

Meanwhile, earlier that week, as prospective students toured campus for the first time, they were met with vandalism: red paint splashed across Dartmouth Hall. The act was claimed by an anonymous individual protesting Dartmouth’s investments. Hillel at Dartmouth immediately condemned the vandalism, as did the College. As I said in our statement, “Acts of vandalism do not move us forward.” They sow fear and division, not understanding.

And yet, even in turbulent times, there is light.

In a moment when college campuses across the country are facing immense strain, Dartmouth has sought to balance free expression with safety, accountability, and care. I believe our students are seeing that this campus remains a place where their Jewish identity can flourish boldly and unapologetically.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we help our students navigate these times with strength and grace

Shavua Tov,

Rabbi Seth Linfield
Michael Steinberg '61 Rabbi

P.S. This week is Hillel Global Giving Week, a time to unite and support spaces that not only uplift but amplify the voices of Jewish students across campus. I hope you will join us and make a meaningful contribution that supports Jewish life at Dartmouth. Thank you again for being a part of our Hillel family.