Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

I was very surprised to look at the school calendar and see that Broward County Florida only gives off one day for Rosh Hashanah, which is a two day holiday. DH told me not to rock the boat because it's a new job, but I feel wrong working on it - esp since it's a Friday - lol. Seriously though, do you think I should talk to my principal about it? Or just call in sick? Or suck it up and work? It falls about 3.5 weeks after the school year begins so it's early to take off, but not like the first week of school.
Opinions?

Thanks!

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

I would talk to the principal about it

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

Is this your first year in the school?
If so then I would wait to talk to some of there other teachers. See how taking days off are viewed. I have worked in 3 different schools...and depending on the administration it has been viewed differently at each. If its not a big deal, put in for a personal day stating religious reasons (if you need to give a reason) since its a Friday.

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

It is my first year in the school. I don't even know if I have personal days. LOL. I'll have to check. I was actually at the county school board building today and didn't think about it - there's a woman there I've been speaking to who's really nice - maybe I'll ask her...

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

i totally agree with Kelly04

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

I have a feeling that there are not many teachers who celebrate this holiday in my school but I guess I'll have to wait and see. I'm surprised because as a whole, South Florida is very Jewish and this is a county-wide policy. Not so much for the students in a particular school, per se, but the faculty, I would think.

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

Wow, I'm surprised that you don't have both days off. I would definitely wait and see what the other teachers say. If you do take off and have personal days, definitely put down for religious reasons.
When I worked in MA, we had zero Jewish holidays off, and I remember being totally shocked by that. Living on LI my whole life, I just assumed everyone got off for those holidays. Silly me didn't even think that some areas don't do that.

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

I'm going to do my best to check in with other teachers, but being that I'm new and it does come up relatively quickly in the school year, don't even know if I'll find those teachers that celebrate. Also ,as we all know, religion means different things to different people and some are more observant than others. I feel like that shouldn't reflect on my abilities or reasons for taking off, kwim?

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

I think you should put in for the extra day. If you don't now, then you won't be able to in years to come.

However, is it really necessary in the religion to have the extra day off? (I'm totally not being snarky--just not sure with the custom.) Or is it that you're just used to having both days off?

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

It's a two day holiday - both days are part of the holiday and equally as important in terms of observing the holiday.

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

I have a friend who was a teacher in FL and she told me that there are something like personal days which the Jewish teachers use for those days since the schools do not close... There was more to it but I don't remember all the details.

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

I would talk to the principal and make a point that it is important for you not to work on the holiday. Remember if you work one year then it will be frowned upon if you want to take the holiday in the future.

Good Luck

Re: Spin-off to Taking off for religious holidays

Definitely don't suck it up if you dont feel right doing it.

If you did it one year, if I was the principal I would think you were using it as an excuse the following year.