Jewish Educators’ Grievance on Religious Observance Day Dismissed

A group of Orthodox Jewish educators in New York City recently faced a setback in their legal challenge against the Department of Education regarding a religious observance day needed for Passover preparations.

In an unprecedented move since 1999, the department last year declined to grant religious exemptions that would allow teachers to take time off for holiday preparations. This forced many educators to use personal or vacation days to carry out traditional activities such as extensive home cleaning and the removal of leavened products.

In response, 20 observant Jewish teachers filed a grievance in May 2025. However, they received the disappointing news that their case was not successful in mid-February.

The United Federation of Teachers is now contemplating whether to pursue an arbitration hearing to address the issue further.

In a statement provided to The Post, the Department of Education emphasized its commitment to respecting employees’ religious practices, noting that they aim to offer reasonable accommodations in line with existing regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and operational demands.

“We respect the religious observances of all employees and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and operational needs,” the DOE told The Post.

An arbitrator ruled in 1999 that the DOE should grant religious observance days, and requests for time off were never denied in previous years, said United Jewish Teachers President Moshe Spern.

“The DOE and new Chancellor Samuels reaffirming an awful decision from last year is not only wrong but definitely borders on religious discrimination,” Spern alleged.