NO DEBATE ABOUT JEWISH HOLIDAYS

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to an article in the Sept. 6 Collegian: “Students differ on observing Jewish holiday.” While it is gratifying to see the Jewish holidays receive such prominent coverage (on page 1), the article contained several errors of fact and perception which I would like to correct. 1. There are indeed differences between various Jewish denominations. Orthodox Jews observe two days of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, while Reform Jews observe only one day (Thursday, Sept. 13). No one, however, observes a three-day holiday as suggested by your article. 2. As your article indicates, there are also differences between individual Jewish students concerning the choices they make about how much class time to miss for the holidays. You are unfortunately correct that some students who would otherwise observe the holidays feel constrained to attend class (or an exam) out of fear of falling behind. Although University policy and Massachusetts state law both guarantee all students that they will not be penalized for missing class due to any religious observance, the reality is sometimes not so friendly, especially for students from minority religions (e.g. Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Baha’i). That is one reason why the Office of Jewish Affairs was created 12 years ago; and we will gladly assist any student, of any religious background, who is denied their right to observe their religious holidays or is penalized in any way for doing so. 3. So in response to the author’s question: “If one major religion, like Judaism, has their holidays observed, should every religion get the same recognition?” The answer is: Yes! That is precisely the policy here at UMass Amherst. Jewish students have the same rights as all other students, and vice versa. 4. Finally, it is misleading to describe any of these denominational or individual differences as a “debate” as the headline on page 4 suggests (“Jewish New Year stirs campus debate”). Regardless of our different beliefs and religious practices, we will all greet each other, as our new year begins, with a respectful wish for a sweet year, shanah tovah!

Larry Goldbaum, Director Office of Jewish Affairs UMass Amherst

WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE?

Dear Editor,

In response to Monday’s article “Once again, that good old debate,” I would like to ask Michael Dennis, that if we grant gays the “right to marry,” what’s preventing us from advocating incest or adultery? Where will we draw the line? Granting equality to “those who deserve it” is a subjective demand and his own opinion of a “step in the right direction.”

Jen Fill UMass student

NOT QUITE FAMILY VALUES

Dear Editor,

Poor Senator Craig of Idaho. As a result of a little misunderstood socializing in a restroom at the Minneapolis Airport, he pleads guilty to a misdemeanor and his fellow Republicans hang him out to dry. One might think that these Republican champions of family values could show a little understanding – there is absolutely no evidence that Craig’s intentions were honorable and that he was going to ask the guy to marry him.

Sam Osborne West Branch, IA