Dear John,

ADL is here to help members of the Jewish community facing the possibility of conflicts between their observance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and school or work duties. This is important whether people in your community are connecting in person or via online platforms.

This year:

• Rosh Hashanah: Begins on Monday, Sept. 6 at sundown and ends at sundown on Wednesday, Sept. 8.
• Yom Kippur: Begins on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at sundown and ends at sundown on Thursday, Sept. 16.

Know Your Rights and Obligations

As a long-time religious freedom advocate in the U.S., 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 whether you are physically in a classroom or workplace or connecting virtually.

We have provided educators all over the country — whether they are teaching in traditional school settings or virtually — with background information about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, alerting them to the High Holiday schedule and advising them that excusing students from classes or programs on those days, without penalty, is an important opportunity to create welcoming learning environments by demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.

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. 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 accommodations for school or work, contact your local ADL office.

Sincerely,

Steven M. Freeman

Vice President, Civil Rights

ADL