submitted by dames@augsburg.edu
Rosh Hashanah began at sundown on Friday, September 15 and lasted through sundown Sunday, September 17. Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sunday, September 24 and lasts until Monday night, September 25. Lesser known holidays Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah are also part of this holiday season. Sukkot begins at sundown on Friday, September 29 and the non-work holiday lasts until sundown on Sunday, October 1. Sukkot continues (as a working holiday) until sundown on Friday, October 6. Shmini Atzeret begins that same night, Friday, October 6, and the following night begins Simchat Torah, which lasts until sundown on Sunday, October 8, both as non-work holidays. During these days, please be thoughtful of those who observe them by not scheduling meetings, conference calls, or deadlines. For teachers, please do not schedule tests, presentations, or other mandatory activities. And remember that many Jewish households host family and/or other guests for these holidays. For those who celebrate Christmas, imagine if everyone wanted something from you between the mornings of December 24th and December 26th while you had multiple things cooking, preparations to be in services, and family and friends coming over. Be thoughtful, kind, and inclusive. And greetings: “Happy New Year” is appropriate to say on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. “Have an easy/meaningful fast” is appropriate to say on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement when Jews traditionally fast for 25 hours. Or to avoid mentioning fasting (which not everyone can do) you can say “Have a meaningful holiday” instead. “Happy holiday” is appropriate for Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah, and really most Jewish holidays. Thank you!!” (Credit: Ronald Weber and Shayna Sheinfeld)
Augsburg Religious Holiday Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bsiyBZp2sQHfuA2jUGM2cnagAlz_tb0W-TIPnlocSus/edit?usp=sharing