
Recommendation:
Ensure Academic Accommodation for Students who Observe the Sabbath and Holy Days
Observant Jewish students are unable to work, write, and drive – among other activities – on the Sabbath (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) and on Jewish holy days, such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Just as many Christians who are not religious celebrate Christmas, many Jewish students who do not identify as religiously observant celebrate or mark Jewish holy days. Universities should make every reasonable effort to avoid scheduling university-wide activities or exams on these days and, when there are religious conflicts, provide a consistent and reliable method for rescheduling tests, examinations, and assignment due dates without engendering penalties or other negative consequences. CIJA provides useful resources for institutions, such as holiday guides and calendars, to navigate the intricacies of the Hebrew calendar and related traditions.