While most students walk to class today, Jewish students will spend the day fasting and attending services for Yom Kippur, the year's most solemn holiday.
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the conclusion of the 10-day new year observance that began with Rosh Hashanah. Traditionally, the holiday is observed by abstaining from work and food, reflecting on the past year and asking forgiveness of wrongs, said Rabbi Danielle Leshaw.
Yom Kippur began yesterday night at sundown as the Athens Jewish community gathered at the Hillel Foundation at Ohio University, 21 Mill St.
At the service, Shannon Alter, an OU sophomore, ushered in the holiday with the traditional chant, Kol Nidrei, which she studied since June to memorize in Hebrew.
According to the Web site, http://www.myjewishlearning.com, the prayer, which sums up the idea of a fresh beginning that Yom Kippur represents, asks God to forgive hastily made promises.
Our vows shall not be vows
our bonds shall not be bonds and our oaths shall not be oaths according to the English translation.
Today, Jewish community members will gather again for morning services and a meal at dusk to break the fast, Leshaw said.
Because Yom Kippur falls on a weekday this year, Jewish students must decide if they will attend classes or not.
According to the Ohio University student handbook, Instructors are urged to assist without prejudice
students returning to class after a legitimate absence
such as an illness
death in the immediate family
religious observance.
Ultimately, it is the professor's decision as to what extent they help students make up work, said Dean of Students Terry Hogan. Some professors may require proof, such as a note, that an absent student attended services.
OU sophomore Marcy Bernstein said her professors have been very accommodating, but the situation is frustrating for both parties because her professors need to spend extra time helping her with missed assignments.
Even while I am in services all day
I'm going to be thinking about how I have this journalism quiz
Bernstein said.
Jewish professors also are faced with the choice of whether to cancel their classes.
I cancel my classes Rosh Hashanah
I cancel my classes on Yom Kippur and I cancel my classes on Passover
said Judith Lee, an interpersonal communication professor.
As a member of a minority religion, Lee said she, as well as Jewish students, feel pressure to spend today in class with the rest of the campus. Because it involves being different, making the effort to observe Yom Kippur becomes a matter of personal integrity.
