On March 22, 2024, MSU’s Religious Observance Policy Implementation Committee, the College of Arts and Letters, the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, James Madison College, the College of Social Science, the Residential College of Arts and Humanities, International Studies and Programs, and the Asian Studies Center sponsored the “Webinar for MSU Faculty: Accommodations During Passover and Ramadan”
The virtual discussion included insights on how students can/should be accommodated during Ramadan and Passover (including final exams on the first two days of Passover). The group also shared key information about the practices and significance of Passover and Ramadan more broadly. Associate Dean Sonja Fritzsche, Professor Yael Aronoff, Professor Mohammad Khalil, Professor Morgan Shipley, and Professor Laura Yares lead the discussion (the full recording is below).
Here are some “quick facts” from the presentation:
- The [Gregorian Calendar] dates that both Ramadan and Passover fall on, shift from year to year. Their occurrences are instead based on the Lunar Calendar (with Solar adjustments for Judaism).
- Ramadan Kareem is a common greeting during Ramadan that means “may you have a generous Ramadan”. You may also hear “Ramadan Mubarak” which means “may you have a blessed Ramadan”.
- Eid al-Fitr (festival of breaking the fast) is a special day Muslims, celebrated this year on April 10 (+/- one day).
- Different demoninations of Judiasim celebrate Passover in different ways – one person’s observance is one person’s observance. never assume, let them tell you how they observe.
- The first observences of Passover start at Sundown on Monday April 22. The first two days and last two days (Chag/Yom Tov) have special rules related to doing labor or work… This includes things like checking email and utilizing public transportation, SO if you have important information for student, please be sure to communicate prior to sundown on April 22 or after sundown on April 24 AND prior to sundown on April 28 or after sundown on April 30
- Be proactive to let students know you won’t be emailing during this period so they don’t feel conflicted between their MSU responsibilities and their religious observances.
- Student may have to travel farther to access kosher foods during this time.
- Large community and family celebrations are inherently times of heightened stress, without the added pressure of academic finals.
Remember, “Observences are always going to be somewhat idiosyncratic due to the customs of individuals, communities, and families.” For more information on these holidays and MSU’s Religious Observances guidance check out the items below:
- MSU Religious Observance Policy
- MSU general Religious Observance resources
- Religious Observance FAQs
- Fostering Inclusive Learning: MSU’s Approach to Religious Accommodations
- Ramadan at MSU: A Brief Guide for 2024
- MSU Hillel Passover 2024
- Eat at State: Passover Dining Options
Photo by Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash