The Growing Importance of Acknowledging Jewish Holidays in Higher Education

In today's increasingly diverse higher education landscape, universities worldwide are grappling with how best to support students and faculty from various religious backgrounds, including Jewish communities. Jewish holidays, rooted in millennia-old traditions, often require specific observances such as fasting, prayer, and abstention from work or study. As campuses strive for inclusivity, acknowledging these holidays through policies, events, and calendar adjustments has become a key aspect of equity and belonging. This approach not only aids Jewish students—who number over 10% at many top U.S. institutions—but also sets a model for broader religious accommodations.

Higher education leaders recognize that thoughtful acknowledgement fosters retention and success. For instance, proactive scheduling avoids conflicts with major observances, allowing Jewish scholars to fully engage without compromise. This article explores global practices, drawing from university policies, expert recommendations, and real-world examples to guide institutions toward best practices.

Key Jewish Holidays Impacting Academic Schedules

The Jewish calendar follows a lunisolar system, with holidays determined by both lunar cycles and biblical commandments. Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: Head of the Year), the Jewish New Year, typically falls in September or October and marks the beginning of the High Holy Days or Ten Days of Awe. It involves synagogue services, festive meals with symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey for a sweet year, and the sounding of the shofar (ram's horn).

Following closely is Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), the holiest day, observed with a 25-hour fast from sundown to nightfall, intensive prayer, and repentance rituals. Other significant dates include Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), a week-long festival commemorating the Israelites' wilderness journey with outdoor dwellings (sukkahs); Simchat Torah celebrating the Torah cycle; Hanukkah (Festival of Lights) in December; Purim in spring; and Passover in April. For 2026, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown September 11, extending through September 13, and Yom Kippur from sundown September 20 to September 22.

These holidays begin at sundown the evening before listed dates and may restrict travel, work, electricity use, or writing—impacts felt acutely during exam periods or deadlines.

U.S. University Policies: From Accommodations to Calendar Shifts

In the United States, most public universities are legally obligated under the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause to accommodate religious observances, providing make-up opportunities without penalty. Private institutions often follow suit via internal policies or anti-discrimination commitments. Students typically notify instructors early—ideally at syllabus review—requesting adjustments for absences. Faculty avoid scheduling major exams, presentations, or deadlines on these days, offering alternatives like rescheduled tests or extended submissions.

Examples abound: Yeshiva University, a Jewish institution, closes for all major holidays, adjusting its full calendar accordingly. Secular schools like the University of Connecticut list bolded dates for high-request accommodations, emphasizing no penalties for religious absences. Brandeis University notes that holidays span multiple days due to sundown starts.

Spotlight on Leading Institutions: Stanford and Emory

Stanford University exemplifies proactive adaptation. In 2024, its Faculty Senate voted to shift fall quarter starts in conflict years—like 2026-27—from Monday to Tuesday, avoiding Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur overlaps. This symbolic move, despite losing an instructional day, underscores commitment to inclusion, with Hillel hosting free services, meals, and break-fasts at Bing Concert Hall.

Emory University supports observances through Hillel, Chabad, and Meor events, including Rosh Hashanah services and meals, while directing to local synagogues for Yom Kippur during breaks. No full closures, but syllabi reminders promote faculty flexibility.

These cases highlight a blend of programming and policy, enhancing Jewish life on campus.

Global Perspectives: Accommodations in Canada, Europe, and Beyond

Beyond the U.S., practices vary. McGill University in Canada recognizes religious diversity, offering accommodations for holidays via policy, including Jewish observances. Belgium's University of Antwerp requires a religious certificate for adjustments, applicable to Jewish students. In Israel, universities like Tel Aviv University align fully with the Jewish calendar, closing for holidays and providing daily minyanim (prayer quorums).

Australia and other regions show sparser formal policies, often relying on general equity frameworks. Globally, the trend leans toward case-by-case accommodations rather than closures, reflecting secular academic norms.

Photo by Husam Yaghi on Unsplash

Challenges for Jewish Students and Faculty During Observances

Despite policies, hurdles persist. Lehigh University students reported exam conflicts during 2025 High Holidays, prompting early requests under religious accommodation rules. Reddit threads reveal anxieties over professor responses to Sukkot test absences. Fasting on Yom Kippur amid classes or midterms adds physical strain, while travel restrictions complicate participation.

• Procrastination on make-up work due to post-holiday fatigue
• Uneven faculty awareness, especially pre-tenure
• Group project dependencies burdening absent members
• Antisemitism amplifying isolation during holidays

These issues impact mental health and grades, underscoring the need for systemic support.

Best Practices and ADL Recommendations for Campuses

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) provides a comprehensive guide: Public schools must permit absences and make-ups under strict scrutiny; privates should honor policy commitments. Best steps include:

• Incorporate holiday calendars into syllabi and master schedules
• Train faculty on timely requests (e.g., week one)
• Offer alternative assessment formats
• Host inclusive events via Hillel

ADL School & Workplace Accommodations Guide (PDF) emphasizes advance planning to preempt conflicts.

For faculty seeking roles at accommodating institutions, explore faculty positions with inclusive cultures.

The Pivotal Role of Hillel and Campus Jewish Organizations

Hillel International chapters anchor holiday life, offering services, meals, and community at over 850 campuses. At Duke, calendars note no programming on first days; Elon hosts full cycles from Rosh Hashanah to Yom HaShoah. Chabad complements with Orthodox-leaning events. These groups bridge academics and observance, boosting retention—vital as Jewish students report discomfort in 24% of campus events.

Legal Frameworks Guiding Higher Ed Compliance

U.S. public institutions face Free Exercise mandates; 22 states' RFRAs heighten scrutiny. Title IX and Clery Act indirectly support via anti-discrimination. Internationally, EU equality directives and Canadian Charter rights parallel protections. Violations risk lawsuits, as seen in denied accommodation cases.

Universities like Northwestern mandate rescheduling upon timely notice.

Future Outlook: Toward More Inclusive Calendars

Trends point to expanded no-class days, as City University of New York does for some Jewish holidays. AI scheduling tools could optimize avoiding conflicts across faiths. Amid rising antisemitism, robust acknowledgements signal safety. Institutions prioritizing this gain diverse talent; faculty can leverage higher ed career advice for observant paths.

Stakeholders urge multi-faith calendars, balancing Christian dominance with equity. Stanford's adjustments herald this shift.

Photo by Jack Harbieh on Unsplash

Enhancing Jewish Student Success Through Acknowledgement

Effective policies correlate with higher GPAs and belonging. Rate professors on accommodation via Rate My Professor. Explore university jobs at inclusive campuses or higher ed jobs for admins shaping policy.

As global mobility grows, higher education's embrace of Jewish holidays exemplifies forward-thinking diversity.