Jewish Education Round Table: "Guide to Jewish Holidays"
For those practicing Judaism, the most holy days do not occur during official school breaks, but most often will land on school days. Typically, Jewish children will not attend school on these
days.
Please adhere to the following guidelines for teachers with students in class who observe the most important Jewish High Holy Days in the fall - Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
- Do not schedule field trips, tests, PTA sponsored events, or school events during these holidays
- Students will be allowed to make up homework missed during these holidays
- Students will not be penalized for missing a practice or game
It is important to note that Rosh Hashanah is observed for two days. Yom Kippur is observed for one day. All Jewish holidays begin the evening before at sundown.
Passover (Pesach) is another important Jewish holiday that occurs in the spring. Although most Jewish students attend school during the week of Passover, the first two evenings of the holiday are celebrated with an evening meal called a Seder. Therefore, it would be helpful to avoid any testing on the first two days of Passover.
Other holidays, such as Hanukkah and Sukkot, do not typically interfere with school schedules however, it is recommended to keep these holidays in mind, and consult with any families that may be affected, when planning any school events or extracurricular activities.
For precise dates of Jewish holidays on the Gregorian calendar, visit Hebcal.
