Yom Kippur is often regarded as the most important of all Jewish holidays and is also known as the High Holy Days and the Day of Atonement.
Yom Kippur is observed during the first month of the Jewish calendar, Tishrei. Yom Kippur concludes the “10 days of repentance” that begin with Rosh Hashana. Fasting, intensive prayers, and confession in the Synagogue. Some Jewish employees may take the day off to observe Yom Kippur.
How to Observe Yom Kippur at the Workplace
Allow for paid time-off: It is possible that your Jewish employees choose not to work during Yom Kippur, paid time off should be provided. It is paramount that your employees understand that they will not be discriminated against or punished due to their religion. Paid time off will allow your employees to enjoy this sacred holiday with their friends and family without worry.
Be Mindful of Events Involving Food: Be mindful of hosting events around food, such as a birthday, team lunch, or any snacks offered. Some employees celebrating Yom Kippur may have no problem being around food, while others prefer to avoid it. You can always ask your employees in 1:1s if they have a preference.
Recognize Everyone Celebrates Differently: People feel varying emotions during the holidays, and not everybody who observes Yom Kippur will do so similarly. There may be some employees who will take time off or want to have open conversations about the observance with their colleagues, while others may prefer to stay quiet and not discuss their religious practices.
Communications Template for Yom Kippur
[Subject: Yom Kippur]
Hi everyone,
At [Company Name], we value an inclusive workplace of diverse backgrounds and within that, recognize the importance of sharing and including our different cultures. Today we’d like to observe Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur is often regarded as the most important of all Jewish holidays and is also known as the High Holy Days and the Day of Atonement.
People feel varying emotions during the holidays, and not everybody who observes Yom Kippur will do so similarly. There may be some employees who will take time off or want to have open conversations about the observance with their colleagues, while others may prefer to stay quiet and not discuss their religious practices. As part of being an inclusive workplace, we respect the choices of each person in regards to how they choose to recognize this holiday.
Thank you all,
[Signature]