September 9

Dear neighbors,

Tomorrow (Friday, 9/10) is a non-school day, and I thought I would share
a little information about that. This year, for the first time, the
Burlington School Board adopted a calendar to reduce absenteeism on the
most holy days of the three religions most represented in our schools:
Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. This does not cost us anything,
and it does not change the number of school days in the year.

The following is a beautiful message I received from our Campus
Ministry office at Saint Michael's College, about the holiday some of
our neighbors, and many of our students, will celebrate tomorrow:

At sundown tonight (September 9th and the first sighting of the new
moon), our Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world will begin
to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, commonly known as Eid, which marks the end of
the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Eid-ul-Fitr, meaning the “Festival
of the Breaking of the Fast,” is a joyful, one-day (evening to evening)
holiday of praise and thanksgiving to Allah, which concludes a month
long fasting period for Muslims.

Many countries have their own traditions associated with the holiday,
but typically, Muslims will dress in their finest clothes, begin the day
with breakfast (to symbolize the breaking of the fast), and attend Eid
prayer with their worship community in a mosque or in open areas such as
a square or field. Before Eid prayer begins, Muslims who are able are
expected to offer alms which are collected and given to the economically
poor of the community so that they may also enjoy “the Festival of the
Breaking of the Fast.”

After prayer, many Muslims celebrate Eid with gatherings of friends and
family, feasting, gift-giving, works of charity, and visits to the
elderly. Many Muslims will also visit graveyards to visit the deceased.

We in Edmundite Campus Ministry wish our Muslim sisters and brothers at
Saint Michael’s College (and throughout the world) a very Happy Eid and
congratulate you on the completion of your fast. We hope and pray that
the discipline of Ramadan brought you closer to Allah. Please be
assured of our prayers during this joyful celebration and know that we
stand in solidarity with you during this disgraceful period in which
Islamophobia seems to be on the rise.

“Id mubarak.”
("Blessed Eid.")

“Id sa‘id.”
("Happy Eid")."

I have heard kids having some great conversations about this in our
neighborhood, and am grateful to live in a community that overwhelmingly
promotes peace and respect for all.

L'Shana Tovah, and As-Salamu `Alaykum
(Happy New Year, and Peace be upon you)"

Amy Werbel
12 Catherine Street
Ward 5 School Commissioner
awerbel@bsdvt.org
www.amywerbel.info