A Sukkot Message From Mar Abba - Denver Academy of Torah

Dear DAT families and community,

What a stretch of weeks this has been – Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and now, finally, we are about to step into Sukkot, our Zman Simchateinu, the season of our joy!

According to one view in the Gemara (Sukkah 11b), the sukkah corresponds not to the actual huts used by the Jewish people on their way out of Mitzrayim, but to the Clouds of Glory – the ananei hakavod. The Gemara (Taanit 9a) attributes the existence of the ananei hakavod to the merit of Ahron Hakohen, who was known for his pursuit of peace and love for mankind (Avot 1:12). When we step into our sukkah for the first time as Shabbat comes in this week, we are stepping back into a space where we are covered by those protective clouds – clouds of glory created through the intense ahavat Yisrael that existed among us in the desert.

Here is the paradox: all year long we live in homes with locks and alarms to keep ourselves safe. But a sukkah has no locks. You cannot lock anyone out of a sukkah – and yet, sitting inside one, we often feel safer and more secure than anywhere else. Real security does not come from what we keep out, but from Who is with us and how we take care of each other.

That is the school and community we are building at DAT. A sukkah has no locks – our doors are open to every family who seeks what DAT has to offer: a rigorous general and Jewish education, dedication to Torah values and halachah, pride in Jewish identity, and love of Israel and this country. And every child who enters is welcomed as they are, safe, secure, and free to grow into their highest selves.

Wishing every DAT family a safe, restful, and meaningful Sukkot break. U’fros aleinu sukkat shlomecha – may Hashem spread His sukkah of peace over all of us and over our brothers and sisters in Israel.

Chag sameach!

Mar Abba

Head of School

Denver Academy of Torah Annual Event 2026 FAQ

Event Guide

Annual Event FAQ

Denver Academy of Torah Annual Event 2026

Q1

Will this annual event be like previous years?

Yes and no! This year, we are excited to have a theater-style seated concert, featuring the acclaimed band Zusha, instead of a typical banquet-style dinner. Before the concert, there will still be ample food and beverage stations throughout the reception area! Ahead of the feature performance, we will begin the program with inspiring updates about DAT and our incredible students, like we usually do at our annual event.

We are excited for the new format to create a warmer, family-friendly atmosphere, while maintaining the elevated feel of an annual event. Attire will be Colorado Cocktail.

Q2

Is this event for the whole family?

Typically, DAT's Annual Event is primarily for adults, however due to the exciting nature of this year's concert, we are also welcoming students to attend (limited student tickets are available for purchase).

Q3

Are students going to be in the same space as the adults?

During the reception, the students will be in a separate room with supervision and their own food and activities. They must be accompanied by an adult to attend the event, but all adults can enjoy the reception while students have their own programming. Everyone will come together for the program and concert.

Q4

When and where exactly is the annual event?

Exact details are being withheld for security purposes. We have started sending the time and location out to those who have registered and been vetted, and will continue to do so on a regular basis until the day of the event.

Q5

Why should I attend the annual event?

The annual event is one of the only times that parents, grandparents, alumni, alumni parents, staff, friends, and supporters come together to celebrate and show appreciation for the school community and all DAT provides its students, the future of our Jewish community. This event is open to the entire Denver Jewish community.

Q6

Is the annual event a fundraiser?

Yes! All funds raised from the Annual Event go toward DAT's annual campaign, which is a critical component of DAT's annual operating budget. Tuition dollars alone do not cover the cost of a high-quality general and Judaic studies education rooted in Torah values.

This funding helps provide our students opportunities in STEM, sports, the arts, community engagement, leadership initiatives, service projects, real-world internships, and engaging Israel programming. Funds raised also help ensure that a DAT education is accessible to the broader Jewish community of Denver.

It takes the generosity and commitment of a strong and united community - including parents, grandparents, alumni, alumni families, and community members - to ensure DAT's ability to provide students a foundation for Jewish life and prepare our alumni to be the next generation of Jewish leaders.

Designed by Amir Cohen