I asked my school to move her music concert because of Shavuot's 2nd day of Observance.
On the one hand, I'm so thrilled I could jump over the moon. On the other hand, I'm sort of in awe over my ability to have influence.
When we chose our little Linnie's school I knew we were making a great choice. It's the only public IB program in the county- and it's also a K-8 school which means less driving down the road for Mama.
But I knew that there were going to be drawbacks. One of those was that it was a 'local' school. At least 50% of the people walk or bike to school each day. Which is great- for them, for the environment, and for the drop-off line! But it also means that all the kids live together in a way that Linnie and I can't match. We aren't just around the corner for a play date.
Additionally the school isn't very religiously diverse. It's got a lot going for it with socioeconomic diversity and racial diversity, but Linnie is the only non-secular Jew in her class. I was definitely expecting it to be a challenge to go from a Jewish school environment to a secular one with all those public school trappings of Christianity. But I've been shocked by what has actually happened... I've been respected, listened to, and accommodated without concern.
When I walked into the office to comment that they placed the kindergarten music concert on the same day as Shavuot I was greeted initially with confusion- Shavuot? But they were polite, and kind and curious. And also willing to help.
The Principal came out and offered to call the music teacher- they would see what they could do. Especially when I explained the part about Yizkor.
It's an awe-inspiring moment to know that you have taken your commitment to your religion to a whole new level.
Now, like my cousin Greg said, can I really justify celebrating the 2nd day? If it hadn't been Yizkor would I have felt so strongly about my daughter missing school? Questions for next year, since this year I've made my commitment....
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