We are two students who are a part of the Jewish community. We are trying to raise awareness about the unfair treatment of Jewish students in Newton. We feel it is unfair how our Christian peers get more than a week off for Christmas, which lasts two days, but Jews and other religions get no time off and no reduced work. In our experience, one of us was not able to light the candles for Hanukkah (an important tradition to our families) because of the large amount of homework given and not enough time to do it all. This was the first year we were given the second day of Rosh Hashanah off and we are not getting it off again next year. 

We know it may be unrealistic to ask for time off during holidays like this. We feel the least we deserve is limited work assigned during these days. Family time is greatly valued in the Jewish tradition, especially during holidays, and by having no homework (or very little) we can celebrate the holiday fully. 

Please consider signing our petition if you are a Jewish student, parent, educator, or ally. We need support not just from those like us, but from those who stand with us. Thank you.