Dear John,

Every year, Jews who observe the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur face the possibility of conflicts between their religious practice and school or work duties, and ADL is here to help with this. This year:

• Rosh Hashanah begins on Sunday, September 29th at sundown and ends at sundown on Tuesday, October 1.
• Yom Kippur begins on Tuesday, October 8th at sundown and ends at sundown on Wednesday, October 9th.

Know Your Rights and Obligations

As a long-time religious freedom advocate for all Americans, ADL believes that Jews should not have to choose between observing the High Holidays and their school or work obligations. Accommodating those who observe is not only the right thing for schools and employers to do, it is often legally required.

We have provided educators all over the country with background information about the High Holidays, alerting them to the High Holiday schedule and advising them that excusing students from school on those days, without penalty, is an important opportunity to create welcoming learning environments by demonstrating a commitment to diversity.

However, students and employees seeking accommodations have obligations, too. For instance, ADL advises older students and parents or guardians of younger children to inform teachers or professors about holiday absences as early as possible — preferably in person. Students and parents should also ask for any important information or material that will be provided during the days or classes missed.

To inform and empower you, ADL has issued School & Workplace Accommodations for the Jewish High Holidays: Know Your Rights and Obligations.

To learn more about your rights and obligations regarding religious accommodation in school and at work, contact your local ADL office.

Sincerely,

Eileen Hershenov

SVP, Policy

ADL