An October 7 Message From Denver Academy of Torah

 

Dear DAT families and community,

 

As we all know, today marks three years since October 7, 2023, a day that changed the Jewish people and continues to impact the world around us. As I sit here writing this message, my X feed is filled with video after video of today’s ugly protests and marches, in Montreal, New York, London, Sydney, and so many other places, davka on October 7. As much as I should be stunned, I’m not.

 

What a solace it was, then, to be here at the school today, of all days, as our students got the chance to daven together, be together, and encounter and commemorate October 7, together.

 

The school’s October 7 program was prepared by our two new Bnot Sherut, Hallel and Halleli. These two young women arrived from Israel at the end of the summer, and they created an experience that was sensitive, thoughtful and inspiring.

 

Rabbi Bodner wrote to them at the end of the day, and I asked him if I could share what he wrote – here it is:

 

 

Hallel and Halleli,

 

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the program you prepared for October 7th at DAT. It went far beyond anything we could have imagined.

 

In the lower school, you ran an age-appropriate program focused on hope and love for the State of Israel.

 

In the upper school, you transformed two offices into museum-like spaces. The first room showed the scale of the catastrophe: those who were murdered, the Nova festival, and the tragedy of that day. The second room focused on rebuilding and hope: the return of the hostages, the dedications in memory of those who were killed, and the widows who have built their homes anew. Every student and teacher who walked through those rooms was moved, learned something, and understood the importance of the day.

 

For the past three years, I have been asking myself how we should properly commemorate October 7th: what the purpose of the day is, and what we want our students to take away from it. Today, your program answered that perfectly. The students were moved, felt connected, and understood the meaning of the day. Your investment and hard work showed in every detail, and everyone came away in awe.

 

We are so grateful and so happy to have you with us.

Yasher koach gadol,

Aviad

 

I can’t add much to what Rabbi Bodner wrote, except to say that I saw it too. Out there today, people marched to deny or celebrate one of our people’s worst days in our long history. In here, our children learned the names of the people we lost, and then walked into a second room to learn about the people who are rebuilding. That’s the difference, and I’m so proud that it’s our kids who got to see it.

 

Thank you, Hallel and Halleli, for bringing the indomitable spirit of Israel to us on this day. And thank you to our teachers and staff who made the space for it.

 

May the memories of all those we lost be for a blessing, may Hashem continue to comfort the families, and may we see only good news from Israel.

 

Am Yisrael Chai.

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.

We look forward to seeing you on May 19!

Designed by Amir Cohen