WHAT MAKES THE HOLY DAYS HIGH is
R          E          C          O          G          N          I          T          I          O          N 

Can we talk about diversity and cultural competency for a minute.          .          .
OR A FEW DAYS.          .          .
OR A SEASON.             .           .

Every Fall there are about 7 million Jewish holidays that Jewish workers have to navigate.  Ok, that’s only a slight exaggeration but that’s what it feels like, especially when they are, at times, completely overlooked or just not recognized

Some years they fall on the weekends but others they fall on the weekdays like this year.

And every Fall, without fail, businesses, affinity groups, organizations etc schedule meetings and events on these very important Jewish holy days.  For many Jews, scheduling something on Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur is akin to scheduling something for non-Jews on Christmas.  It’s pretty discouraging, hurtful and objectionable.  In an age of now super-sensitivity to diversity and inclusion, scheduling something on these holy days can even come off as offensive.

So a quick guide to the Jewish holiday season for this year seems to be a very Caring Catalyst KIND of thing to do.

It’s an opportunity for all of us to not only share best wishes for the holidays but take the extra step of rescheduling team meetings, events etc for days that are not Jewish holidays.  This will go a long way to making everyone feel included and respected at what is a really busy but very meaningful and important time.

May these Holy Days be made be held even more HIGH with the kindness, openness and recognition we share with each other