SEMINIOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Jewish parents and students in Seminole County are grappling with a challenging decision this year.
Lyman High School and Lake Mary High School have scheduled their prom nights on April 12, coinciding with the first night of Passover.
A Rabbi from the local community informed News 6 that Passover holds great importance for Jewish households as it signifies the commencement of Jewish nationhood and allows for contemplation on the essence of Jewish identity.
Noelle Rivers shared, “Undoubtedly, Passover is the most widely recognized day among Jewish observances. It stands out as a prominent occasion for American Jews – a night that prompts the contemplation of why this night is unlike all others. The distinctiveness is palpable.”
Rivers said her daughter, Jaynie, was excited to attend prom as an upperclassman. She said even though it’s her junior prom, it may be her only prom.
Regarding her daughter’s upcoming junior prom, Rivers addressed inquiries about its significance by stating, “Many question the hype surrounding it, arguing that it is not even her senior prom. However, the reality is that she may be embarking on a year-long study abroad program next year, making this junior prom a unique and possibly sole opportunity for her to attend.”
Rivers said Jaynie was devastated when she found out about the prom date debacle.
“She’s embarrassed that I say she cried, but she was crying—very hard for her—so disappointing,” Rivers said.
As far as celebrating Passover at a different time, Rivers said it’s not that simple.
“It is at the exact same time,” Rivers said. “We cannot move it. There is no Passover earlier in the day, and prom later in the night because we will be going past 11 unlike prom, prom ends at 11—we go past 11.”
Seminole County Schools responded to the scheduling conflict with a statement:
“Every effort is made to be mindful of any religious or significant days when scheduling events, however, it is not always possible to avoid an event falling on one of these days.”
Rivers hopes the schools will consider rescheduling the prom.
“They shouldn’t have to pick between this one night at school with all of their friends, and their one night a year with their family no matter what their faith is,” Rivers said.
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