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

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www.AfikimFoundation.org

Published by The Afikim Foundation

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.