USD’s 27th annual All Faith Service on Jan 30 showcased six different faiths with a student representing each faith in a dramatic procession of flags, including the Israeli flag. 

Marcos Saade (USD ’21) carried the Israeli flag with pride during the procession accompanied by live music. Joshua Glasser (USD ’21), Hillel’s student board president, recited a prayer about darkness to light in both Hebrew and English, while holding a lantern. 

At the same event last year, Hillel Campus Director Glenda Jaffe was honored to represent Judaism. This year, she participated on the planning committee, which invited Rabbi Lenore Bohm to give an inspirational talk about how Judaism honors darkness as the birthplace of light. She also talked about the holiday of Tu B’Shvat and its significance.

Students and other representatives of the Native American, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Christian faiths also spoke. The service concluded with a choir performance of lyrics  written in a concentration camp during the Holocaust.

More than 600 people attended the service, which was a meaningful and inspirational experience for all. It was particularly impactful for Jewish students to felt validated, accepted, and an integral part of the USD community.