CONCISE GUIDE TO ORTHODOX JEWISHps-media.s3.amazonaws.com/Workplacetrifoldbrochure20172.pdf ·...
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According to traditional Jewish law, the Sabbath and Jewish Holidays begin at sunset of the day prior to the holiday, and end approximately one hour after
sunset. Sunset times fluctuate from approximately 4 p.m. in the winter months to 8 p.m. in the summer months.
The Sabbath and Jewish Holidays that have Sabbath work restrictions require that all normal business, school and secular activities cease approximately two hours before sunset to allow for adequate preparations. Orthodox Jews sanctify these days with special extended prayers and services held in a Synagogue.
Restricted activities include all forms of vehicular travel, writing, the operation of machinery or electric and electronic devices/equipment such as phones and other mobile devices, monetary transactions, and all preparations for, or discussion of, normal weekday activities or responsibilities. Restrictions end approximately one hour after sunset Saturday night or the last day of the holidays.
Orthodox Jews are therefore unable to travel to their workplace or class, and they cannot open or send email, text or use any type of technological communication during the Sabbath and the noted Jewish holidays as they occur throughout the year (see calendar).
Sabbath and holiday restrictions cannot be relaxed except in circumstances when there is mortal danger to human life.
More detailed information can be accessed at the website of the Orthodox Union, the world’s largest Jewish resource: ou.org/holidays and www.ou.org/chagim/important.htm
Tel 212-791-7450 • Fax 212-791-7458111 John Street Suite 1720 • New York NY 10038
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CONCISE GUIDE TO ORTHODOX JEWISH
OBSERVANCEFOR THE WORKPLACE AND
THE UNIVERSITY
Published by The Afikim Foundation
ORTHODOX JEWS BELIEVE IN FULL PARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY, AND ARE DEEPLY COMMITTED TO ENGAGING IN ALL DIMENSIONS OF THE WORKPLACE AND UNIVERSITY LIFE.
Yet there are certain days during the year – Sabbath and specific major Jewish Holidays - on which commitment to Orthodox religious practice temporarily curtails their level of active participation.
Calendar of Jewish Holidays 2017-2019 Dates relevant to the Workplace & University (Major Jewish holidays are shaded in purple.)
Holiday 2017 2018 2019 Work Restrictions
Taanit Esther(Fast Day) Thu Mar 9 Wed Feb 28 Wed Mar 20
No work restrictions. Food and drink are forbidden from sunrise until approximately one hour after sunset.
Purim Sun Mar 12 Thu Mar 1 Thu Mar 21Many work activities are permitted. In order to fully celebrate the
holiday, however, a ‘personal day’ is frequently requested.
Passover – First Days
Tue Apr 11 - Wed Apr 12
Sat Mar 31 - Sun Apr 1
Sat Apr 20 - Sun Apr 21
Sabbath work restrictions.
Intermediate Days of Passover
Thu Apr 13 - Sun Apr 16
Mon Apr 2 - Thu Apr 5
Mon Apr 22 - Thu Apr 25
Many work activities are permitted. In order to fully celebrate the holiday, however, ‘personal days’ are frequently requested.
Passover – Second Days
Mon Apr 17 - Tue Apr 18
Fri Apr 6 - Sat Apr 7
Fri Apr 26 - Sat Apr 27
Sabbath work restrictions.
Omer Mourning period
Wed Apr 12 - Tue May 30
Sun Apr 1 - Sat May 19
Sun Apr 21 - Sat Jun 8
Limited mourning restrictions including haircutting, music, & parties.
Feast of Weeks(Shavuot)
Wed May 31 - Thu Jun 1
Sun May 20 - Mon May 21
Sun Jun 9 - Mon Jun 10
Sabbath work restrictions.
17th of Tammuz (Fast Day) Tue Jul 11 Sun Jul 1 Sun Jul 21
No work restrictions. Food and drink are forbidden fromsunrise until approximately one hour after sunset.
“3-Weeks” Mourning period
Tue Jul 11 – Wed Aug 1
Sun Jul 1 – Sun Jul 22
Sun Jul 21 – Sun Aug 11
Limited mourning restrictions including haircutting, music & parties.
Ninth of Av(Fast Day) Tue Aug 1 Sun Jul 22 Sun Aug 11
Limited restrictions on work through mid-day. Food and drink are forbidden until approximately one hour after sunset.
Rosh HashanahThu Sep 21 -
Fri Sep 22Mon Sep 10 -
Tue Sep 11Mon Sep 30 -
Tue Oct 1Sabbath work restrictions.
Tzom Gedaliah(Fast Day) Sun Sep 24 Wed Sep 12 Wed Oct 2
No work restrictions. Food and drink are forbidden from sunrise until approximately one hour after sunset.
Yom Kippur Sat Sep 30 Wed Sep 19 Wed Oct 9 All Sabbath-like work restrictions. In addition, there are special restrictions against eating, washing, annointing, marital relations and wearing leather shoes.
Feast of Booths(Sukkot)
Thu Oct 5 - Fri Oct 6
Mon Sep 24 - Tue Sep 25
Mon Oct 14 - Tue Oct 15
Sabbath work restrictions.
Intermediate Days of Sukkot
Sat Oct 7 - Wed Oct 11
Wed Sep 26 - Sun Sep 30
Wed Oct 16 - Sun Oct 20
Many work activities are permitted. In order to fully celebrate the holiday, however, ‘personal days’ are frequently requested.
Shmini Atzeret/ Simchat Torah
Thu Oct 12 - Fri Oct 13
Mon Oct 1 - Tue Oct 2
Mon Oct 21 - Tue Oct 22
Sabbath work restrictions.
ChanukahWed Dec 13 - Wed Dec 20
Mon Dec 3 - Mon Dec 10
Mon Dec 23 - Mon Dec 30
Tradition limits work only during the time that the Chanukah candles are lit, which is at or after nightfall.
10th of Tevet(Fast Day) Thu Dec 28 Tue Dec 18
Tue Jan 7 (2020)
No work restrictions. Food and drink are forbidden fromsunrise until approximately one hour after sunset.