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Legislators to break for Jewish holiday

HARRISBURG, Sept. 14 – As many Jewish people prepare to celebrate Rosh Hashanah this weekend, state Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., wants to ensure that the state representatives who are Jewish also will be able to celebrate the holiday with their families.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is expected to be in session the majority of this week. However, Josephs worked with Majority Leader Todd Eachus and his chief of staff to adjust the legislative session schedule so that, if session is necessary on Friday, it will be concluded in time for the legislators to get home for the start of the holiday, which begins at sundown.

"According to Jewish law, no work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah, and much of the day is spent in synagogue," Josephs said. "This is a time for us to take stock of the past year and plan for the new year.

"Just as the Christian calendar holidays are observed in the General Assembly, so should be the Jewish holidays, which are just as important. It's a matter of inclusion and understanding of other cultures."

Rosh Hashanah is the first of the high holy days, which are observed during a 10-day period. The high holy days conclude with Yom Kippur, which ends at sundown, Monday, Sept. 28.

"Majority Leader Eachus should be commended for being sensitive to our beliefs, and adjusting the session schedule so that we may celebrate this important holiday with our families," Josephs said.

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