Introduction:

As Jewish working professionals, we face ongoing discrimination in the workplace. Despite our commitment to our jobs, we encounter challenges related to religious observance. It's time to address this disparity and advocate for equal treatment by making Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur official bank holidays, the two most religious days in the Jewish calendar. By closing schools and offices, Jews can fast and pray in peace, which is a fundamental right for all Americans, regardless of the religion they practice.

This petition is authored by several Jewish professionals who have experienced these inequities since we were in elementary school. 

With anti-semitism disturbingly on the rise, it is more important than ever to codify and solidify these two crucial holidays.

                                                 Key Points:

 

Discrimination and Pressure: 

We often feel pressured to cover for colleagues during Christian holidays like Easter or Christmas, despite how difficult it can be to get coverage on our two most important days. We are often penalized for not finding someone to cover our desks, shifts, etc. We are also punished if we struggle to play catch up because while in the temple, the company still operates, painting us in a negative or "lazy" light. 

 

Religious Days Penalization:
Taking time off for our most significant religious days shouldn't have negative consequences. It is abundantly clear that the only way this can change is by solidifying these dates. 

Discrepancies in School and Company Policies:
Schools and companies routinely close for holidays, including (but not limited to):

 Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Ash Friday, and Easter observance.

Meanwhile, there is not a single policy in this country requiring companies and schools to close for Jewish holidays

 

Personal Experience:
Every single one of us behind this petition has suffered through our own experiences of inequities and discrimination at school and in the workplace. 

School Guilt:
 Teachers guilt students for missing class due to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is a practice that has existed since the beginning of our educational system. 

Forcing Christianity onto Jewish Students:
In the same breath, Jewish students must make Christmas items for the holidays, sing Christmas and otherwise religious songs at school concerts (despite their discomfort), make ears for Easter, participate in egg hunts, respect and honor students with ashes on their foreheads for ash Friday, and more. 

However, when teachers have tried encouraging artwork and projects to support Jewish students and holidays, they are often taken to task by ignorant and anti-semitic parents and school boards.

Similar Challenges at Work: 

Bosses should understand and respect our religious commitments. To be forced to decide between respecting and observing our faith and keeping our jobs is inhumane, unethical, and discriminatory against Jews across this country. 

                                         Proposed Solutions

Equal Treatment:
Please sign this petition to send to the White House, state, and federal representatives and advocate for schools and companies to close on Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah.

Banked Holidays:
 Make these days official banked holidays, ensuring equal treatment for all employees and students.

 

 By recognizing Jewish holidays, we foster an inclusive environment.

All employees and students deserve to feel proud of their heritage and faith. Moreover, all employees and students of Jewish affiliation should feel safe and comfortable observing the holidays that are most important to them.

                                                Conclusion:

Let's stand together and treat Jewish professionals and students fairly. Closing schools and offices for Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah is a step toward honoring our community and sense of unity.

With the disturbing rise in anti-Semitism across our country and globe, it is crucial now more than ever to take a stand, and that starts with recognizing Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.