With the Jewish High Holidays upon us (September 6-8 for Rosh Hashanah and September 15-16 for Yom Kippur), it is a good time to request and remind government agencies, nonprofits, schools and others to not plan meetings, events, tests and other critical happenings on religious holidays of any faith. Our policy below is targeted toward legislative bodies in particular.
Regarding Religious Observances
On behalf of the National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL), we ask that state legislative sessions, committees and votes not take place during major religious observance days during the year. Holidays observed by Christians, Jews, Muslims and Hindus, representing the world’s major religions, should be honored by our state legislatures.
For the Jewish community, these dates include the two days of Rosh Hashanah (the new year), Yom Kippur (day of atonement ) and the first two days of Passover (celebration of freedom from slavery).
While Roman calendar days go from midnight to midnight, Jewish calendar days go from sunset to sunset. To meet Jewish law requirements, holy day evening meals are eaten prior to attendance at evening synagogue services, which begin before sunset. Accordingly, we request that legislative activity not take place beginning mid-afternoon the day a holy day starts. This will give Jewish legislators, staff and the public the ability to begin their observances in accordance with Jewish law.
NAJL, your local Jewish Federation or the community relations council can provide the legislature with the Jewish holidays and calendar for each year or they can be found here.
We want to ensure that everyone can practice their religious beliefs without having to be in conflict with legislative service.