(NEWS) Providence Schools Cut Jewish Holidays

"Some of US city's Jewish leaders concerned that public schools will not count Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur as official holidays this year.

Some of Providence's Jewish leaders are concerned that the city's public schools will not count Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as official holidays this year.

But school leaders say there is no need for concern.

This is the first time in at least 30 years that the two of the most significant holidays in the Jewish calendar won't be days off.

Marty Cooper of the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, and Rabbi Wayne Franklin of Temple Emanu-El, were concerned that students who take those days off might be subjected to discrimination or would feel pressure to attend class rather than religious services.

They told The Providence Journal they were told by school officials last week that students and teachers who take the days off won't face negative consequences." (source)