COLUMN: Break for religious holidays

From Yoni Slonim's, "Ink Blots," Fall '97 From Yoni Slonim's, "Ink Blots," Fall '97 Every year around Halloween and Christmas time I am drawn in by the holiday spirit. Even though I am Jewish, I always sense a special feeling in the air. Similarly, when Christmas approaches, I can almost feel people becoming nicer. Strolling down the sidewalk by Rockefeller Center or just being a part of the hubbub that is the week of December 25 in America, one is wrapped in the communal joy. As I smile at already overburdened parents carrying home huge bags of toys, I can't stop feeling a sense of understanding. Even though I have never opened presents nor attended church on Christmas morning, the commonality of family and spirit binds us. I can appreciate others' happiness. With my background, it always seemed strange how Jewish and other religious holidays, not part of the mainstream, were treated by some at Penn. It was as though many were out of touch with the religious toleration espoused by the founder of the University. While it is not the norm, professors and teaching assistants have been known to question the need for students to not attend classes or have made it quite difficult for their students to make up missed works due to religious absences. While some of this might be excusable due to the fact that they might not know when the holidays fall, others remain obstinate even after being informed. Some technical explanation is in order. First, the Jewish holidays are determined according to the lunar cycle. Therefore, they do not occur on the same date every year on the "regular" calendar. It is not out of the ordinary for professors to demand proof that a holiday occurs on such and such day. Second, as with all religions, some Jews observe the holidays differently than others. Just because one Jew does not observe the lesser-known holiday of Sukkot, for example, does not mean someone else is making that holiday up. Oftentimes, a student is made to feel uncomfortable or is put on the defensive by professors doubting the truth of his or her observances. Even though all it takes is a look at almost any calendar, I can understand why some professors remain wary of students. I have been around enough of my peers to know how some can be prone to stretching the truth now and then. Until recently, I never really understood the looks I would get from other students when it came to rescheduling exams for the whole class around Jewish holidays. A classmate -- who clearly knew I was in earshot -- starting voicing his displeasure at having his latest exam pushed back. The way he saw it, there was a "double standard in place." "Why should they get preferential treatment?" he asked. He went on to explain to his friend how, if his parents knew he was having an exam, they wouldn't expect him to come home. I don't expect everyone to know about the Jewish holidays or their importance to those who observe them, but to express such blatant disregard for others is disturbing. There is no double standard in place. If anything, it is the opposite. Did this person even stop to consider what an extra burden pushing off an exam could be to those observing the holidays? While he gets an extra week to study, those who are at synagogue are clearly not able to go to the library. If I were he, I would be happy. While I do not see my worship as a burden, the traveling to and from home does take a toll around midterms. More importantly, to say his parents would not want him to miss an exam for the holidays is not only ignorant but also ludicrous. First, I am not about to start defending the importance of certain Jewish holidays. Second, his parents will never have to worry because, like the rest of this country, he already gets off for his holidays. The same standard does not apply to all religions. Is it by chance the University closes down for Christmas every year? Or is it really "winter" break? Let's call a spade a spade already. Yes, this is a Christian country. Hence, America takes off for Christian holidays -- as it should if not just for convenience. Therefore, Christians automatically have it somewhat easier when it comes to observing and celebrating their holidays properly. I would also like to celebrate my new year with my family without having to worry about assignments due. A little tolerance and understanding can go a long way. Like a white Christmas, we can all appreciate what is not our "own."