Jhe - Observance of Major Religious a Nd Cultural H Olidays

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

File: JHE - OBSERVANCE OF MAJOR RELIGIOUS A ND CULTURAL H OLIDAYS Scope This policy applies to all students and staff of the Framingham Public Schools Policy Statement 1. Excused absences from school are allowed on major religious and cultural holidays so that students may freely participate in their religious and cultural activities without conflict with their school obligations. Due to differences in religious and cultural practices, observance by individual students will not be uniform. Parents may, in writing, excuse their students from school for any religious or cultural days important to the child's family. religious beliefs. In addition, schools will be closed for Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, and Good Friday. 2. All students in the Framingham Public Schools are required to make up work covered and assignments given made during an excused absence from school. This practice shall be applicable to students who are absent due to religious or cultural observance. Such work shall be made up at the student's initiative without loss of credit no later than five (5) school days following their return to school after absence. No homework should be due the day following an excused absence for observing a religious or cultural holiday. 3. Students are responsible for submitting turning multi-day projects on time. 4. New classroom work may be introduced on the day of a major religious or cultural holiday, but consideration should be given by the teacher to planning such new work around the holiday. 5. At the student's request, assistance in the introduction of new work for students absent on religious or cultural holidays will be provided afforded by the teacher concerned . 6. No homework should be given the next day if the next day is a major religious holiday as defined by the school calendar. Definitions Religious holiday : A religious holiday is a specific day or number of consecutive days identified for specific observance of an individual’s faith. Religious holidays include but are not limited to Eid al Adha, Eid al Ghadeer, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Diwali, Christmas, Passover, Good Friday and Vaisakhi. Cultural holiday : A cultural holiday is a specific day or number of consecutive days identified to celebrate or commemorate an event or tradition of cultural or religious significance. Cultural holidays include but are not limited to Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year (Asian New Year) and Nowruz (Persian New Year). Adopted: mm/dd/yyyy .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

How Do We Celebrate Yom Kippur at Home?
“Day of Atonement” In Hebrew. Healthy adults are commanded to refrain from eating and drinking from sunset to sunset to remind us of the frailty of the human body and our own mortality, and to encourage complete focus on the holiday. It is customary to wear white on the holiday and some choose to wear sneakers or other rubber-soled shoes out of deference to the ancient practice of avoiding leather shoes, which were a symbol of luxury. How Do We Celebrate Yom Kippur at Home? Before sundown, families and friends gather together and eat the last meal before the start of Yom Kip- pur and the period of fasting. It is only after the last bite is eaten, and the holiday candles are lit, that Yom Kippur and the fast officially begin. If you choose to fast, it is important to remember that children under the age of 13 are not required to fast nor are adults whose health precludes them from fasting. Yom Kippur is a somber Jewish holiday of reflection and contemplation. We think of those who came before us and those who have influenced our lives and we take the time to remember family and/or friends who have died. You can light a special Yahrzeit candle (available in Judaica shops and online), if you choose. Just like on Shabbat, two candles can be lit at the evening meal. Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your com- mandments and commands us to light the [Sabbath and] holiday lights.
[Show full text]
Religious Calendar 2020-2021
Religious Calendar 2020-2021 Table “A” lists Major Holy Days of the most heavily represented faith groups among CMS students. Our records indicate a high level absenteeism in the district on these dates. CMS policy ACD, Section 2, states: “…examinations and other major events1 will not be scheduled on religious holidays designated by the Superintendent…” Table A Religion/Denomination Holiday Dates Islamic/Muslim Eid-ul-Adha July 31, 2020# (Friday) Jewish Rosh Hashanah September 19-20, 2020# (Saturday - Sunday) Starts at sundown the night before Jewish Yom Kippur September 28, 2020# (Monday) Starts at sundown the night before Christian (Protestant & Catholic) Christmas December 25, 2020 (Friday) Christian (Protestant & Catholic) Good Friday April 2, 2021 ( Friday) Jewish Passover (First Days) March 28-29, 2021#(Sunday - Monday) Starts at sundown the night before Islamic/Muslim Eid ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan) May 13, 2021# (Thursday) # Religious holidays for Islam, Judaism and Baha’i begin at sundown of the night before the observance date listed, with the following day being the first full day of the holiday. The holidays conclude at nightfall. Table “B” lists Major Holy Days in which students may be absent from school or school-related activities of the most heavily represented faith groups among CMS students. CMS policy ACD, Section 3, states: “students who miss school because of religious reasons should not be adversely affected because of the absence.” Please be mindful of these dates when planning school activities or classroom evaluations.
[Show full text]
Vernal Equinox 25Th- Palm Sunday 30Th
2018 2019 2020 2021 January- None January- None January January- None February February 25th- Chinese New Year February 14th- Ash Wednesday 5th- Chinese New Year February 12th- Chinese New Year 16th- Chinese New Year March 26th- Ash Wednesday 17th- Ash Wednesday March 6th- Ash Wednesday March March 20th- Vernal Equinox 20th- Vernal Equinox 20th- Vernal Equinox 20th- Vernal Equinox 25th- Palm Sunday April April 28th- Palm Sunday 30th- Good Friday 14th- Palm Sunday 5th- Palm Sunday Passover* 30th- Passover 19th- Good Friday 9th- Passover* April April 20th- Passover 10th- Good Friday 2nd - Good Friday 1st- Easter 21st- Easter 12th- Easter 4th- Easter May May 24th-May 23rd- 13th-May 12rd- Ramadan** Ramadan** 16th-June 15th- Ramadan** 6th-June 4th- Ramadan** May May 20th- Shavuot* June 1st-23rd- Ramadan** 1st-12rd- Ramadan** June 1st-4th- Ramadan** 24th- Eid al-Fitr** 13th- Eid al-Fitr** 1st-15th- Ramadan** 5th- Eid al Fitr** 29th- Shavuot* 17th- Shavuot* 15th- Eid al Fitr** 9th- Shavuot* June-None June-None July-None July-None July July August August 31st- Eid al-Adha** 20st- Eid al-Adha** 22th- Eid- al-Adha** 12th- Eid- al-Adha** August- none August- none September September September September 10th-11th- Rosh Hashanah* 29th-30th- Rosh Hashanah* 18th-19th- Rosh Hasanah* 7th-8th- Rosh Hasanah* 19th- Yom Kippur* October 27th- Yom Kippur* 16th- Yom Kippur* 24th- Sukkot* 8th- Yom Kippur* October 21st- Sukkot* October-None 14th- Sukkot* 3rd- Sukkot* October-None November 27th- Diwali November November 7th- Diwali November- None 14th- Diwali 4th- Diwali December December December 29th- Chaunukah* 3rd- Chaunukah* 23rd- Chaunukah* 11th- Chaunukah* December 25th- Christmas Day 25th- Christmas Day 25th- Christmas Day 25th- Christmas Day 26th- Kwanzaa 26th- Kwanzaa 26th- Kwanzaa 26th- Kwanzaa Faith Description Chinese New Begins a 15-day festival for Chinese people of all religions.
[Show full text]
Yom Kippur JWB Jewish Should Be Substantial and a Joyful Experience
Breaking the Fast: This is another festive End and meal, one that, while often simple, can feel A Guide to particularly meaningful. Beginning It is appropriate to begin with HaMotzi, the blessing over bread: Yom Yahrzeit: A candle called the yahrzeit candle is lit before the holy day in memory of parents and others who are recalled during the yizkor Kippur (memorial) service. Final Meal: The meal taken before Yom Kippur JWB Jewish should be substantial and a joyful experience. Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Chaplains Council This is considered as much of an obligation as Haolam, Ha-Motzi lechem min ha-aretz. a program of fasting on the day itself. Challot baked for the pre-Yom Kippur meal are sometimes shaped like Blessed are You, Our Eternal God, Ruler of the winged birds, symbolizing human hope to reach Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth. the level of angels. Stephen P. Seiden Since this meal marks a new phase in life, it is also Chair In helping one prepare for the worship service possible to recite an additional blessing: Dr. Stephen Hazan Arnoff that follows, the Talmud declares: “Yom Kippur President & CEO effects atonement for one’s transgressions Donald W. Brodsky against God; but it effects atonement for one’s Chair, Services to Jewish Military Personnel transgressions against other human beings only David E. Posner if the offended has first been appeased. Vice President for JWB Military Services JWB Jewish Chaplains Council The Neilah (concluding service) speaks of the Rabbi Frank Waldorf gates of heaven closing at the approaching end Chair of the sacred day, and urges the worshipper on Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Rabbi Harold L.
[Show full text]
2019-2022 Calendar of Major Jewish Holidays
2019-2022 CALENDAR OF MAJOR JEWISH HOLIDAYS Please note: Jewish students may not be able to participate in school activities that take place on the days marked with an *. 2019 2020 2021 2022 PURIM Celebrates the defeat of the plot to destroy March 21 March 10 February 26 March 17 the Jews of Persia. PASSOVER Deliverance of the Jewish people from Egypt. The first *Eve. of April 19 *Eve. of April 8 *Eve. of March 27 *Eve of April 15 and last two days are observed as full holidays. There are *April 20 *April 9 *March 28 *April 16 dietary restrictions against leavened products (such as *April 21 *April 10 *March 29 *April17 bread, pastries, pasta, certain legumes and more) during *April 26 *April 15 *April 3 *April 21 all eight days of the holiday. *April 27 *April 16 *April 4 *April 22 SHAVUOT *Eve. of June 8 *Eve. of May 28 *Eve. of May 16 *Eve of June 3 Feast of Weeks, marks the giving of the Law (Torah) *June 9 *May 29 *May 17 *June 4 at Mt. Sinai. (Often linked with the Confirmation *June 10 *May 30 *May 18 *June 5 of teenagers.) ROSH HASHANAH *Eve. of Sept. 29 *Eve. of Sept. 18 *Eve. of Sept. 6 *Eve of Sept 25 The Jewish New Year; start of the Ten Days of Penitence. *Sept. 30 *Sept. 19 *Sept. 7 *Sept. 26 The first two days are observed as full holidays. *Oct. 1 *Sept. 20 *Sept. 8 *Sept. 27 YOM KIPPUR Day of Atonement; the most solemn day *Eve.
[Show full text]
Short and Sweet & Halloween
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 10:00 Exercise Group-A 10:00 Coffee Social-A 10:00 Exercise Group-A 10:00 Coffee Social-A 10:30 Duke Plays-A 10:30 Hymn Sing with Dana-A 10:30 Word Game-A 10:30 Bible Story-A 10:30 Jewelry Making 1:00 Manicures-A 1:00 Food Committee-A 1:00 Manicures-A 2:00 Making A Whale of a with Melissa-A 2:00 Bingo-A 2:30 Birthday Party w/Altrusa-A 2:00 Bingo-A Game-A 1:00 Indoor Gardening Short and Sweet 3:30 Sing-A-Long-W 3:30 Ball Toss-E 5:30 IN2L Movie-A 5:30 Flippo-A & Halloween Fun Brickfront Trip 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 9:30 Rosary-A 10:00 Exercise Group-A 10:00 Coffee Social-A 10:00 Exercise Group-A 9:30 Room Visits 10:30 Word Game-A 10:30 Boo! Word Game-A 10:30 Yom Kippur 10:30 Ronnie C. Sings-A 10:30 Smaller Than a 10:00 Coffee Social-A 10:30 Cooking Rum Cake 2:00 Church-A 1:30 Catholic Mass-A True/False-A 2:00 Penny Pass and A Breadbox-A 10:30 Bible Story-A with Megan-A 2:00 Bingo-A 1:00 Manicures-A Whale of A Game-A 1:00 Manicures-A 2:00 IN2L Movie-A 2:00 Hymn Sing with the 3:30 Sing-A-Long-W 2:00 Resident Council-A 3:30 Ball Toss-W 2:00 Bingo-A Hornes-A 3:00 Ice Cream Social-A 5:30 Flippo-A 3:30 Ball Toss-E 3:30 Sing-A-Long-E 5:30 Puzzles-A 5:30 Game Night-A Yom Kippur 13 14 Walmart Trip 15 16 17 18 19 9:30 Room Visits 9:30 Room Visits 10:00 Coffee Social-A 10:00 Exercise Group-A 10:00 Coffee Social-A 9:30 Room Visits 10:30 Fun with Meg-A 10:30 Columbus Day 10:00 Exercise Group-A 10:30 Hymn Sing with Dana-A 10:30 Remembering the 10:30 Bible Story-A 10:00 Making Mini Witches 2:00
[Show full text]
Jewish Holidays 2020-2021 Academic Year
Jewish Holidays 2020-2021 Academic Year GUIDE Holidays highlighted in red should be avoided Holidays highlighted in yellow should be given consideration Holidays highlighted in green involve no work prohibitions Holiday Description Holiday Start Holiday End Notes Sundown Friday, Sundown Sunday, Days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are Rosh Hashanah Jewish New Year known as the Days of Awe - there is no work prohibition September 18th September 20th in between the holidays. Yom Kippur Day of Atonement Sundown Sunday, Sunday Monday, Yom Kippur observance includes a 25-hour fast. September 27th September 28th The first day (Oct 3rd) is observed as work prohibited Harvest Festival/ Sukkot Sundown Friday, Sundown Friday, for many, and the second day (Oct 4th) is for some - the Festival of Booths October 2nd October 9th remainder of the holiday has no work restrictions. These are both work prohibited, although Simchat Shemini Atzeret End of Sukkot & Sundown Friday, Sundown Sunday, Torah is more frequently observed and often involves & Simchat Torah Celebration of Torah October 9th Ocotber 11th celebrations at synagogue or temple. While observed and celebrated by many Jews, there are Chanukah Festival of Lights Sundown Thursday, Sundown Friday, December 10th December 18th no work restrictions involved in the observance. Celebration of deliverance from harm - celebrated by Purim Festival of Lots Sundown Thursday, Sundown Friday, wearing costumes and eating traditional foods. Not work February 25th February 26th prohibited. A major holiday, commemorating the deliverance from Passover - Feast of the Sundown Saturday, Sundown Monday, slavery in Egypt. The first two nights, the Seder meal is First 2 Days Unleavened Bread March 27th March 29th held.
[Show full text]
YOM KIPPUR Fasting As a Historical Reminder of Israel’S Repentance for the HISTORY Incident of the Golden Calf
YOM KIPPUR fasting as a historical reminder of Israel’s repentance for the HISTORY incident of the golden calf. More importantly, however, the Yom Kippur fast enables us, for at least one day each year, to ignore 1. When did Yom Kippur originate? our physical desires and instead stress our spiritual needs. We Yom Kippur dates from biblical times. The Torah states in concentrate on prayer, repentance, and self-improvement before three separate passages that “the tenth day of the seventh returning to our usual daily routine. month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a sacred occasion 2. Who has to fast? for you: You shall practice self-denial. .” (Leviticus 23:27). That commandment became the basis of Yom Kippur. According to tradition, all females from age 12 and all males from age 13 must fast. It was and is the custom in many communities 2. Why does the Day of Atonement fall on the to encourage even younger children to begin fasting for several tenth day of the seventh month? hours each year, so as to prepare them for full participation in the You will recall that the incident of the golden calf led Moses to holiday when the proper time arrives. The traditional fast encom- shatter the first tablets of the law (Exodus 32:19). According to passes a full twenty-four-hour period, beginning after the erev legend, he returned to Sinai, received a second set of tablets, Yom Kippur meal and extending to the following evening. No then descended on the tenth of Tishri to find the Jewish people eating or drinking is permitted.
[Show full text]
83773 Diversity Calendar 17.Indd
A Partial Listing of Religious, Ethnic and Civic Observances 2017 New Year’s Day (U.S., International) January 1 Japanese New Year January 1 Shogatsu (Shinto New Year) January 1-3 Dia de los Santos Reyes/Th ree Kings Day (Latin America) January 6 Epiphany (Christian) January 6 *Asarah B’Tevet (Jewish) January 8 Makar Sankranti (Hindu) January 14 Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (U.S.) January 16 Chinese New Year January 28 ______________________________________________________________ Imbolc/Imbolg (Pagan, Wiccan) February 2 *Tu B’Shevat (Jewish) February 11 National Foundation Day (Shinto) February 11 Presidents’ Day (U.S.) February 20 International Mother Language Day (International) February 21 Maha Shivaratri (Hindu) February 24 Clean Monday/Lent begins (Orthodox Christian) February 27 ______________________________________________________________ Ash Wednesday/Lent begins (Christian) March 1 Hinamatsuri (Japan) March 3 Ta’anit Esther (Jewish) March 9 *Purim (Jewish) March 12 Holi (Hindu) March 13 *Shushan Purim (Jewish) March 13 St. Patrick’s Day (Christian) March 17 Nowruz (Iranian New Year) March 20 *Rosh Chodesh Nisan (Jewish) March 28 ______________________________________________________________ Mahavir Jayanti (Jainism) April 8 Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christian) April 9 Palm Sunday (Christian) April 9 *Passover/Pesach (Jewish) April 11-18 Great Friday (Orthodox Christian) April 14 Good Friday (Christian) April 14 Holy Saturday (Orthodox Christian) April 15 Easter (Christian) April 16 Great and Holy Pascha (Orthodox Christian)
[Show full text]
Teaching Tolerance
TEACHING TOLERANCE TOLERANCE.ORG Religious and School Holidays Every religion has important holidays. Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter. Jews celebrate Yom Kippur and Passover. Muslims celebrate Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha. Each holiday is explained on this page. In pairs or small groups, read about them. CHRISTMAS PASSOVER This Christian holiday celebrates the birth of Passover celebrates the freeing of Jewish slaves Jesus of Nazareth. Christians believe Jesus was from Egypt. The holiday lasts for eight days, the son of God. They celebrate the holiday by usually in March or April. During Passover, feasting, giving gifts, and being with family. Jews eat matzo, (unleavened bread) because The holiday falls on December 25 each year. those fleeing from Egypt did not have time to allow their bread to rise. People mark the holiday in a special prayer service at home. GOOD FRIDAY EID UL-FITR Good Friday is the day Christians believe This holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the that Jesus died. Three days later, on Easter Muslim holy month. The name of the holiday Sunday, they celebrate their belief that Jesus means “Festival of Fast-Breaking,” which rose from the dead after being executed by refers to breaking the fast (not eating) that is Roman soldiers. Good Friday is marked with observed from sunup to sundown every day prayer; Easter is celebrated with feasting. Both during Ramadan. People celebrate the holiday holidays are observed during early to late by praying, feasting, and visiting family. They spring. also give to charity, which is required of every Muslim. YOM KIPPUR EID UL-ADHA Yom Kippur, usually in September or October, This Muslim holiday marks the end of the is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish hajj, which is the pilgrimage to the holy city community.
[Show full text]
Religious Dates and Festivals 2018-2019 Rosh Hashanah
Religious Dates and Festivals 2018-2019 SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 1, 2019 Rosh Hashanah (Judaism) Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American midnight drinking bash and daytime football game. There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one: Many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making "resolutions." Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. In fact, there is a special prayerbook called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays. The common greeting at this time is L'shanah tovah ("for a good year"). This is a shortening of "L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem" (or to women, "L'shanah tovah tikatevi v'taihatemi"), which means "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year." OCTOBER 8-9, 2019 Yom Kippur (Judaism) IPA: [ jɔm ki pur]), also known in English as the Day of ,יוֹם כִּ פּוּר :Yom Kippur (Hebrew Atonement, is the most solemn and important of the Jewish holidays.
[Show full text]
Five Year Calendar of Jewish Holidays, 2014–2018
FIVE YEAR CALENDAR OF JEWISH HOLIDAYS, 2014–2018 This calendar has been prepared to advise you in advance of the Jewish holy days begin at sundown on the preceding evening and Jewish observances that will take place over the next five years. It is conclude at sundown on the dates noted. For example Rosh Hashanah intended to assist schools in scheduling events such as major school in 2014 begins on September 24 at sundown and concludes on September 26 at assignments, examinations, sporting events, team and play tryouts, sundown. The weekly Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and concludes school photos, assemblies, field trips, graduations and other special one hour after sunset on Saturdays. programs. Cultural, legislative, municipal, business and other organizations may also find the calendar helpful in avoiding scheduling conflicts. 196 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 In order to allow Jewish students, employees and community members to observe (413) 442-4360 their traditions we ask that the scheduling of events on Jewish holy days, the Jewish www.jewishberkshires.org Sabbath and the evenings preceeding these occasions be avoided. 2014 (5775) 2015 (5776) 2016 (5777) 2017 (5778) 2018 (5779) Rosh Hashanah* THURS-FRI MON-TUES MON-TUES THURS-FRI MON-TUES (Jewish New Year) Sept 25-26 Sept 14-15 Oct 3-4 Sept 21-22 Sept 10-11 Kol Nidre* FRIDAY TUESDAY TUESDAY FRIDAY TUESDAY Oct 3 Sept 22 October 11 Sept 29 Sept 18 Yom Kippur* SATURDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY SATURDAY WEDNESDAY (Day of Atonement) Oct 4 Sept 23 October 12 Sept 30 Sept 19 Sukkot* – First Days THURS-FRI MON-TUES MON-TUES THURS-FRI MON-TUES (Feast of Tabernacles) Oct 9-10 Sept 28-29 Oct 17-18 Oct 5-6 Sept 24-25 Shemini Atzeret* THURSDAY MONDAY MONDAY THURSDAY MONDAY Oct 16 Oct 5 October 24 October 12 October 1 Simchat Torah* FRIDAY TUESDAY TUESDAY FRIDAY TUESDAY (Rejoicing of the Law) Oct.
[Show full text]