NK Parent Calls for Reinstitution of Rosh Hashanah

Just hours after the start of the Yom Kippur, one North Kingstown parent stood before the North Kingstown School Committee asking for another Jewish holy day to be reinstated on the school calendar.

For the past several years, North Kingstown students had Rosh Hashanah off. Last year, the school department was taken away to make up for the days missed following Hurricane Irene. Last year, school started a week late as North Kingstown struggled to restore power to all schools and residents. Though no hurricane (or tropical storm) appeared this year to give students an extended summer vacation, Rosh Hashanah was omitted from this year’s school calendar once again.

Cheryl Dowling, a Catholic parent of three North Kingstown students, told the committee that a Jewish friend’s son once told her, “We rate less than a snow day.” Dowling also pointed out that Jewish students who wanted to take Rosh Hashanah off were told to make up their tests and quizzes after school. For those who played sports, this would force some to miss practice. According to Dowling, some coaches prohibit players from playing in games if they miss practice.

“One child I know opted to take the quiz during lunch time and miss lunch so he wouldn’t miss practice,” she said. “Children are being penalized for being Jewish.” 

Read Cheryl Dowling’s complete statement to the school committee here.

Do you think that Rosh Hashanah should be reinstituted on the school calendar? Sound off in the comments section below.