Jewish student-athletes are missing their games on Jewish holidays in observance of holidays. 

In the early fall, there are five Jewish holidays that can result in seven missed days of school, depending on the student’s choice to attend school on each holiday.  

Jewish athletes are disappointed that they are missing games, but for many, religion comes first.                  

“It sucks because I’m missing a big meet Wednesday [Yom Kippur]. But, religion always comes first,” said cross-country runner Robbie Berks ‘25.                                                                            

Many students share the sentiment that having to miss a game makes them fear falling behind. 

“I feel like it does put me behind other athletes, especially when they put an emphasis on coming to all practices and games,” said Orli Josefson ‘25, a Jones volleyball player.

Some coaches say they are fine with absences due to holidays, as long as they know about it beforehand. 

“My only ask is that I’d get a heads up so that I can make those changes, but otherwise it’s not that big of a deal,” said Jones volleyball coach Howard Hu. 

However, for many, the question is if teams should consider planning around the holidays when scheduling future games.

“I was really excited to play in the [Jones vs. Payton Volleyball] game, but I am not able to,” said Josefson. “It’s a bit annoying because like going into the season I was really excited to play this game.”