The Observer, October 21, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8
Case students celebrate the tradition of Yom Kippur
As the sun settled toward the west last Wednesday, senior Jessica Kingsberg traded the classroom for Yom Kippur services.
One of Judaism's "Days of Awe," Yom Kippur bears a profound holiness for the Jewish community, not to mention strict obligations including a fast and an avoidance of work for a 25-hour period. These rituals celebrate and invoke the day of atonement, restoring purity to the religious community and the individual.
Yom Kippur "is regarded as the holiest of all the ritual/festival days of Judaism," according to Gideon Shimoni, Professor Emeritus at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a Rosenthal Visiting Fellow in the Department of Religion here at Case.
Professor Shimoni noted that even nonpracticing Jews will observe the sacred rites of Yom Kippur because of its relational role. It is a holiday when the entire Jewish community unites, seeking atonement not only with God but also with each other.
Kingsberg called it a time when "I kick my religiosity into high gear."
However, as its occurrence is regulated by the Jewish calendar, it may fall on a working day, unlike other religions' holy days, such as Easter. Scholastic obligations could therefore clash with religious duties, as they did last week.
Services are held in the evening, so attendance is less of an issue. Upholding the demands during the day of Yom Kippur can create dilemmas. Electricity is forbidden; so are cars. In addition to the fast – of food and drink – work of any form is outlawed.
Kingsberg said that fulfilling these duties has never been impeded by professors: "I have yet to have a conflict with anyone." This year, despite her late alerts, was no different.
Some professors cancelled classes on Thursday. Gideon Shimoni, a visiting professor from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, said, "I did not experience any real conflict over the question of canceling a class on account of so important a Jewish holy day," while noting that the Religion department sanctioned the cancellation.
Professor Shimoni avowed that he would fully excuse any student from any religion for any holiday with similar gravity to that of Yom Kippur, an attitude that Kingsberg praised in her experience with all Case faculty.
Students on co-op have a slightly different experience, but it was no obstacle for junior Todd Jacobs. He easily took the day off work without objection from his employers.
Other students felt a stronger commitment to academics. One said that, due to class conflicts, he has been unable to attend Rosh Hashana services during his years at Case.
Similarly, scholastic work is at least an inconvenience. Missing a full day of classes, even excused, invariably puts students behind. Some students must make up labs at another time.
Assignments must be completed before the holiday; tests must be rescheduled. Kingsberg said professors have always understood "that the holidays are non-negotiable."
And when the Shofar was blown on Thursday night, students and faculty alike broke the fast and celebrated their renewed at-one-ment - with each other and God.
