Religious Observance Absences

University of South Carolina attendance policy regarding absences for religious observance suggests that students “meet with the instructor early in the semester to discuss the consequences of potential excessive absences due to … observances of major religious holidays according to the interfaith calendar.”  It is further suggested that “faculty give due consideration to absences relating to … religious holy day[s].”

If you are a student whose Jewish holiday observance falls on a class day, you should consult with your instructor early in the semester to advise him/her regarding your plans to be absent for the holidays that you plan to observe. If you need further assistance in gaining accommodation, you should next consult with your academic advisor (undergraduate or graduate).  You should not expect full accommodation if you do not inform your instructor until the week of the observance, or if you miss a class without first explaining the reasons for your absence.

If you are an instructor needing to observe a Jewish holiday on one of your assigned teaching days, you should first discuss the matter with your department chair. Possible accommodations (depending upon the type of course) may include (but are not limited to): arranging for a colleague in your department to cover your classes, preparing a graduate assistant to provide instruction in your absence, planning an internet-based assignment to be done during the class time, or rescheduling a class meeting (provided all those enrolled in the class can be accommodated).  If you need further assistance in making such arrangements or in explaining your circumstances, you might next consult with the office of your College or School Dean.

Instructors and students with questions about such accommodations, or who wish advice concerning accommodation for Jewish religious observance, are welcome to contact the director of Jewish Studies.

Jewish Holidays (2025–26)

• Thu., Oct. 2, 2025
  Yom Kippur — The holiest day of the Jewish year; repentance, fasting, and forgiveness at the close of the Ten Days of Awe.
  Tradition: Judaism
• Mon., Oct. 6 – Mon., Oct. 13, 2025
  Sukkot — Eight-day festival of booths and the fall harvest; thanksgiving for God’s presence. The Eighth Day (Shemini Atzeret) concludes Sukkot and is also a distinct festival.
  Tradition: Judaism
• Sun., Feb. 1, 2026
  Tu B’Shevat — Mid-winter “New Year of the Trees” (often “Jewish Earth Day”).
  Tradition: Judaism

Major Holidays (Religious observance, where no work is permitted - writing, driving etc.):
Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, First Days of Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Passover and Shavuot 

Non major holidays (Work is permitted but due to the holiday, people may have events and services):
Chanukah, Purim 

NOTE: The Jewish calendar date begins at sundown of the night beforehand. Thus, all holiday observances begin the night before, as listed.