Public School Closures on Jewish Holidays: A Comprehensive Look

Every school district, particularly those with a significant Jewish population, often makes strategic decisions to close on Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This article explores the rationale behind these closures, the conflicts that may arise, and the benefits that can result.

The Reason for Closures

It's common for school districts with a significant Jewish student population to close on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In the 1970s, my own school district would often have a substantial number of students excusing themselves on these days. Over time, the school district began to offer those days as non-school days, recognizing the low attendance and the disruption it caused for the rest of the student body.

If one were to look at school closures in Israel, a country with a more homogeneous Jewish population, the absence of closures on religious holidays might raise similar questions. However, the concept of school closures on religious holidays is not confined to Jewish holidays. In the U.S., some schools close for Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter. This comparison highlights the challenges in blending a secular educational system with religious observance.

Legal and Societal Considerations

The closure of schools on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur raises legal and sociopolitical questions, particularly in the United States. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution ensures the separation of church and state, which can sometimes complicate decisions around religious observance in public schools. Some courts have ruled that public schools should remain closed on religious holidays to adhere to this principle.

For example, in a hypothetical scenario involving a school district with a large Jewish population in New York, school officials may close on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur due to the drop in student attendance, thereby minimizing disruption and ensuring the continuity of education for the rest of the student body. However, this decision has not been universally settled, and recent court decisions in some states are redefining the balance between secular and religious influences in public schools.

The Impact on Students and Families

I can personally attest to the value of these closures for my three children in public elementary schools. Despite the relatively low number of Jewish students in the school, the closures mean more than just a break from school for religious observance.

Addressing Early Bullying and Inclusion

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are early in the school year when children and their parents are still settling in. Opening school on these days could lead to difficulties in negotiating makeup work with teachers, who are not yet familiar with the students or their needs. It can also be uncomfortable for children to be singled out in a new environment. By closing school on these days, my children and their classmates are not immediately identified by their religious observance.

Privacy and Coping with Stress

September and October are often stressful months for everyone in the educational community. Students, teachers, and parents are all adjusting to the new school year. The school closures provide a welcome break from the routine, allowing both students and teachers to enjoy the last bit of summer and the early fall. For my children, this break means they can participate in religious observances without the added stress of making up schoolwork.

Conclusion

The decision to close school on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a complex one, balancing legal, societal, and practical considerations. While there are valid arguments on both sides, the benefits of closure, such as addressing early bullying and providing a break from the stress of the new school year, often outweigh the negatives. As educational policies evolve, the balance between secular and religious influences in school calendars will continue to be a dynamic issue to navigate.