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NJ Schools Add Muslim Holiday to Day-Off List
1010 Wins ^ | Nov 14, 2003 2:38 pm US/Eastern | 1010 Wins

Posted on 11/14/2003 1:10:25 PM PST by Calpernia

Add Eid to the list of religious holidays that can get students a day off from school in some communities.

This Essex County district will become one of only a handful of districts in the nation to close schools on a major Islamic holiday, the Eid-al-Fitr on Nov. 26. Paterson and Trenton schools also close that day.

Public schools across the nation have traditionally closed for major Christian holidays including Christmas and several days before or after Easter, and many also close for Jewish holidays as well.

Now, with Islam emerging as one of the fastest-growing religions in the United States, some school districts with significant Muslim populations are recognizing the Eid holidays.

"Up to now, the major holidays have either been Christian or Jewish," said Frank Belluscio, a spokesman for the New Jersey School Boards Association. "But now we're diversifying, and I'm sure this is something we'll see other districts doing in the future."

Irvington, 2.9-square-mile community adjacent to Newark, is the latest to give students off for the Eid, which celebrates the end of Ramadan, the holiest month of the year for Muslims.

Superintendent of Schools Ernest Smith said community leaders convinced the school board that sufficient numbers of students and teachers observe the holiday and planned to be absent from school on the Eid holiday.

Paterson, with its large Arab-American population, started giving students off for Eid about three years ago.

"Members of the Muslim community came forward and requested we consider doing it," said Patricia Chalmers, a school district spokeswoman. "It really came from the community itself, and we were one of the first in the nation to do it."

Trenton has closed its schools for Eid for nearly a decade, a school official said.

In Michigan, Dearborn schools started closing for Eid in 2001, and the Crestwood school district agreed this year to close on Eid as well.

Other New Jersey municipalities with significant Muslim populations still do not close for Eid, including Newark, Jersey City and Camden.

The Eid holiday is slowly gaining in American public consciousness as well. The U.S. Postal Service recently introduced an Eid stamp.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Front Page News; News/Current Events; US: New Jersey; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: eid; muslim; newjersey; nj; paterson; publicschools; trenton
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To: knuthom
Why are they allowed to call it the "Eid holiday", but have to use "Winter break" and "Spring break" instead of Christmas and Easter?

Probably because we haven't thought of a good euphemism yet. Christmas and Easter fall near the Winter and Spring Solstices. In their honor, schools typically give not just a day off, but a week or two weeks-- hence there's a real "break."

Eid is just one day, so there's no "break" that can be structured around it-- similarly, Rosh H'Shana and Yom Kippur are just 3 days collectively. There's no p.c. way to hide the reason for taking off school-- unless you wanted to honor those days by giving students a full week off, and calling it "Fall Break" or something.

81 posted on 11/14/2003 4:23:36 PM PST by ChicagoHebrew
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To: Salman
Back in the 1960s when I was attending NYC public schools, Yom Kippur was a day off due to so many teachers being Jewish and taking the day off anyway.

That's the precise reason. That's also why schools don't give off for major (but less observed) Jewish holidays like Sukkoth, Pesach, and Shavouth. It's not the religious significane of the day-- but the prevelance of it's observance. Those same teachers who would skip on Yom Kippur wouldn't skip class for Pesach.

82 posted on 11/14/2003 4:26:08 PM PST by ChicagoHebrew
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To: ChicagoHebrew
First, I'm not a Dude.

Second, if public schools are going to be under the gov umbrella, our gov was founded on what religion? (personally, the public schools don't belong under gov...but that is for another thread). Our public schools seem to think it is P.I. not recognizing the Christian religion anymore yet the public school system is 'under' our gov which was based on our Christian religion.

Third, there is a little more to NJ with money trails and the Muslim community leaders then can be explained to you on a message board.

Fourth, as a mom with 3 children in school, I understand about the 1/3 absent policy. This also has to do with money trail I mentioned in three.

Oh, and by the way, what Calendar do you use?
83 posted on 11/14/2003 4:40:29 PM PST by Calpernia (Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does.)
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To: ChicagoHebrew
Allow me to introduce my inappropriate comparison of apples and oranges.

The public schools I mentioned that give off for the Jewish Holidays with the Holiday names. So since our Public School breaks have turned into Winter and Spring; but the Jewish Holidays are the holiday names, then is that still apples and oranges?

Or have they not thought of a good euphenism for the Jewish Holidays?
84 posted on 11/14/2003 4:45:19 PM PST by Calpernia (Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does.)
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To: Calpernia
Or have they not thought of a good euphenism for the Jewish Holidays?

Like I said earlier, there's no good euphemism for the Jewish holidays-- unless you want to give several days off and call it "Fall Break." Similarly, if not for the institutions of week-long breaks centered around Christmas and Easter, I'm sure that schools would be obliged to call a spade a spade-- they'd have to call Christmas, Christmas-- just like governments do. I work for the federal government, and get Christmas off. It's listed right there in the Federal calender as Christmas. Why? Because, sadly, I'm too old to get a real "winter/christmas break"

85 posted on 11/14/2003 4:52:30 PM PST by ChicagoHebrew
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To: Calpernia
""Up to now, the major holidays have either been Christian or Jewish," said Frank Belluscio, a spokesman for the New Jersey School Boards Association. "But now we're diversifying, and I'm sure this is something we'll see other districts doing in the future.""

Gee, how swell................you idiot.

Don't take into consideration that we're an overwhelmingly Christian nation with incredibly strong Judeo-Christian roots and beliefs. Don't take into consideration that we're at war with radical Islam around the world..........that those lovely little darlings live in households that probably clapped their filthy hands in glee on 9/11 or whenever GI's are blown up by cowards in Iraq.

Don't let that bother you, you drooling excuse of an educrat.

86 posted on 11/14/2003 4:57:52 PM PST by RightOnline
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To: get'emall
Islam is the fastest-growing hate group in America.

But, only Whites get charged with hate crime.
87 posted on 11/14/2003 4:57:55 PM PST by Travelgirl
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To: ChicagoHebrew
Those breaks were originally Christmas and Easter break. The good euphenism was implemented as to not offended the non Christians. Spade!
88 posted on 11/14/2003 4:59:23 PM PST by Calpernia (Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does.)
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To: Calpernia
Second, if public schools are going to be under the gov umbrella, our gov was founded on what religion? (personally, the public schools don't belong under gov...but that is for another thread). Our public schools seem to think it is P.I. not recognizing the Christian religion anymore yet the public school system is 'under' our gov which was based on our Christian religion.

Our government was mostly founded by religious Christians. However, our government was founded as a SECULAR (i.e. religiously neutral) state, not beholden to religious law. That's why we don't have a state church. Certainly our common law and legal instutions were influenced by Christianity and Christian civilization-- still, there's no question that the Founders envisioned the country as a religiously neutral government populated by a religious citizendry.

Fourth, as a mom with 3 children in school, I understand about the 1/3 absent policy. This also has to do with money trail I mentioned in three.

It has nothing to do with a "money trail." It has to do with the fact that religious minorities like to live near one another. Therefore, some school districts will naturally have large proportions of Jewish or Muslims students and teachers. Let me ask you this-- how could a school practically function if 1/3 of teachers don't show up? Schools don't have that many substitutes on retainer.

How about my honor's classes in high school, which thanks to my people's superior brain power (half-sarcasm), were about 60% Jewish. Would you acknowledge that at least those should be cancelled, or would you seriously hold class with fewer than half the students, just for the sake of only recognizing Christianity?

Oh, and by the way, what Calendar do you use?

Depends, if I need to schedule appointments with people (few of whom are Jews) I use the Christian calender that's universally known in this country. Conversely, I celebrate life-cycle events (birthdays, grandparents anniversay etc.) according to their placement on the Hebrew calender.

89 posted on 11/14/2003 4:59:33 PM PST by ChicagoHebrew
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To: Calpernia
Those breaks were originally Christmas and Easter break. The good euphenism was implemented as to not offended the non Christians. Spade!

I don't deny that. I'd be happy for Rosh H'Shana and Yom Kippur and EID to be euphamised too if they offend you so much. Can YOU think of a euphamism? I sure can't. Similarly, I don't give a damn about what the breaks are called, and aren't particularly offended by the terms "Christmas" or "Easter" break. But at least they practically can be euphamised.

90 posted on 11/14/2003 5:01:48 PM PST by ChicagoHebrew
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To: Salvation
** Essex County district**

Does anyone have contact information?

According to the current year's calendar for the Newark Public Schools, they will be taking a Winter Recess beginning December 23rd's early dismissal.

http://www.nps.k12.nj.us/calendar2002.htm

Although, the employee calendar does call it Christmas break. Guess it's ok if it's behind the vision of the students.

91 posted on 11/14/2003 5:02:24 PM PST by highlander_UW
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To: SoothingDave
Every day in public school is a waste of taxpayer money.
92 posted on 11/14/2003 5:06:48 PM PST by Old Professer
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To: ChicagoHebrew
>>>Our government was mostly founded by religious Christians.

Mostly? Mostly?

>>>Certainly our common law and legal instutions were influenced by Christianity and Christian civilization

Yet Christianity is P.I. in public schools? Hence winter/spring break? vs. Jewish and now Islamic Holidays?

>>>It has nothing to do with a "money trail."

You cannot say that. You have no idea what you are talking about here. This was not posted as a general issue debate. This is an issue that is ongoing here in NJ that I know about and pinged NJ on.

>>>It has to do with the fact that religious minorities like to live near one another. Therefore, some school districts will naturally have large proportions of Jewish or Muslims students and teachers. Let me ask you this-- how could a school practically function if 1/3 of teachers don't show up? Schools don't have that many substitutes on retainer.

And yet I told you I know about the 1/3 absent rule and this had to do with a money trail issue and you continue?

>>>>which thanks to my people's superior brain power (half-sarcasm), were about 60% Jewish.

Ok, I am done talking to you. You are just being a jerk.

93 posted on 11/14/2003 5:13:02 PM PST by Calpernia (Innocence seldom utters outraged shrieks. Guilt does.)
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To: Calpernia
Um... maybe because I don't believe you on the "money trail" issue, and was disputing your analysis with, um... facts.
94 posted on 11/14/2003 5:19:21 PM PST by ChicagoHebrew
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To: Calpernia
"Ok, so do the Islamic Schools give anyone off for Jewish or Christian holidays?"

That's the first thing I thought as well.
95 posted on 11/14/2003 6:17:59 PM PST by Arpege92
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To: ChicagoHebrew
"But at least they practically can be euphamised."

Why must they be euphamised at all?

What benefit is it to our society to selectively perfect PC lies?

The "mennorrah" is the symbol of the Jewish observance of Hannakah.(sp)
The "nativity scene" is the Christian symbol of the observance of Christmas.
Why is your candleholder more secularly "acceptable" than the Christian nativity scene?
Why should the majority of the citizens of the USA be required to "hide" their symbols of faith, so as to not offend a small minority?
I am not a Christian.
I find little offense directed at me, as a believer in a supreme Deity, by the Christian faith.
No true Christian I have ever met thirsted for my death, due to my unbelief in their theological belief system.Many have prayed for me, and as I believe in the power of prayer, I always thank them for doing so.
I guess I could be termed a "Heathen for Christ".
Christians must turn the other cheek, seven times seven, but I am not so constrained.
I like Christians.
They are a good people.
I do not mind defending their rights in ways they may not always approve of, in our supposedly new and improved studiously and insane "secular" agnostic society.
I am not an agnostic.
I am not an atheist.
I do not want the USA to become an anti or non -Christian nation.
I do not turn the other cheek, and I will not back down.
Reality bites, for cultists,imans and shamans, in the USA.
Get over it.
















96 posted on 11/14/2003 6:31:30 PM PST by sarasmom
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To: highlander_UW
**the employee calendar does call it Christmas break. Guess it's ok if it's behind the vision of the students.**

LOL!

97 posted on 11/14/2003 6:44:14 PM PST by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: SoothingDave
**It's this type of hysteria that gives FReepers a bad name.**

OH, really? We MUST stand up and speak out! Our lives depend on it!

Please consider the following thought penned by a Nazi prisoner:

"First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out --
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the communists
and I did not speak out --
because I was not a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out --
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me --
and there was no one left to speak out for me."
~~Pastor Martin Niemoller
(victim of the Nazis)

Is there anything we can learn from this?
When they came for the Catholics?
When they came for the Baptists?
When they came for the fundamentalists?
When they came for the agnostics?
When they came for the physically disabled?
When they came for the mentally disabled?

Just something for all of us to think about -- is this picture larger than we currently see it?


98 posted on 11/14/2003 6:47:37 PM PST by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: sarasmom
Why must they be euphamised at all?

You misunderstood me. Like I said before, I take no offense to the terms "Christmas" or "Easter" break-- and I don't believe they should be euphamized. I was simply postulating the reason leftists have CHOSEN to euphamize Christmas/Easter break, but not school days off for Rosh H'Shana/Yom Kippur/Eid.

Why is your candleholder more secularly "acceptable" than the Christian nativity scene?

Again, I am simply postulating a reason-- not actually advocating a position. The Nativity scene, unlike say, the Christmas Tree or the Creche, is the heart of the Christian faith-- the supposed virgin birth of Jesus.

In contrast, the Hanukiah (8 branched Menorah) is simply a symbol commerating what is, in Judaism, a rather unimportant quasi-secular/nationalist festival: Hanukah. A better comparison to the Nativity scene in Judaism would be the Tablets of the Decalouge (aka "Ten Commandments")-- which is indeed troublesome to display in public, as Judge Moore learned.

99 posted on 11/14/2003 8:17:01 PM PST by ChicagoHebrew
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To: ChicagoHebrew
That's the precise reason. That's also why schools don't give off for major (but less observed) Jewish holidays like Sukkoth, Pesach, and Shavouth. It's not the religious significane of the day-- but the prevelance of it's observance. Those same teachers who would skip on Yom Kippur wouldn't skip class for Pesach.

Old joke, but maybe not so funny:

One thousand years ago somewhere in Europe a rabbi has a vision in his sleep. An angel appears in his dream and says "There is a continent across the Atlantic Ocean, and one thousand years from now there will be Jews there and this is how they will celebrate Chanukah." And the angel shows him.

When the rabbi wakes up he says to himself, "If this is how they celebrate Chanukah, just imagine how they must celebrate Shavous!"

100 posted on 11/14/2003 8:34:38 PM PST by Salman (Mickey Akbar)
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