The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) firmly believes that to create welcoming and respectful school and workplace environments, diligent efforts should be made to accommodate observance of the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and other religious practices with school or work responsibilities in a meaningful way.
Accommodating students and employees who seek to take time off for the High Holidays is not merely a principled and worthy practice. Rather, in many instances it may be legally required. However, to obtain a religious accommodation for the High Holidays from schools or employers, students and employees often have to fulfill certain obligations. ADL hopes that schools will allow students to be absent, without penalty, on these days. Additionally, we encourage reasonable efforts to accommodate employees who wish to observe the holidays. We believe that school administrators and employers can build an atmosphere of mutual respect by accommodating students and employees for their religious practices.
The links below answer common questions regarding religious accommodation for observance of the High Holidays by K-12 public and private schools, public and private post-secondary schools, and public and private employers.
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Elementary and Secondary Schools (PDF)
Colleges and Universities (PDF)
Public and Private Employers (PDF)
Related
Read “Religious Accommodation in the Workplace: Your Rights and Obligations” (PDF)
Read “5 Things to Know About the High Holidays”
For more information or assistance in seeking a religious accommodation for observance of the High Holidays, please contact us at 303-830-7177.