NYC Jewish Teachers Lose Grievance Over Passover Prep Day

"United Jewish Teachers president Moshe Spern told the paper the DOE and new Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels' decision "borders on religious discrimination," and pointed to an arbitrator's 1999 directive that the DOE provide religious observance days."

"The Department of Education said it "respects the religious observances of all employees and provides reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and operational needs," while stressing that any accommodation must also reflect staffing and school operations."

"Erev Pesach, the day before the start of Passover, is when many households wrap up cleaning to remove chametz, kasher kitchens and prepare foods for the seder."

Approximately 20 observant Jewish teachers in New York City sought a dedicated religious observance day for Erev Pesach, the day before Passover, to prepare for the holiday. The Department of Education rejected their formal grievance request, instructing affected teachers to use personal or vacation days for preparations. United Jewish Teachers president Moshe Spern characterized the decision as bordering on religious discrimination and referenced a 1999 arbitrator's directive requiring the DOE to provide religious observance days. The DOE responded by stating it respects religious observances and provides reasonable accommodations consistent with regulations and collective bargaining agreements, while emphasizing that accommodations must balance staffing and operational needs. Erev Pesach involves household cleaning, kitchen preparation, and seder food preparation.

Read at Hoodline