Thread by @JewWhoHasItAll

#DearTeachers,
This week some Christian students may be absent during the #Christian #holiday of #Candlemas.

It falls on the second day of the “Gregorian” month of Febuairy each year; this year, the date falls on Shevat 11th.
1/9

Consult gregcal.com for the date of Candlemas in future years.
2/9

"Candlemas," more commonly known as Yom Groundpig, is a #holy #day for Christians that commemorates the pidyon ha’ben of the prophet Yeshu, founder of their religion, and also of the prophet’s mother bringing her korbanot to the Beit ha’Mikdash following the prophet’s birth.
3/9

Frum Christians celebrate the yom tov by bringing their candles to a Christian shul to be blessed by their Christian rabbi. Some Christian shuls celebrate after the bracha by holding a special candle-lit procession.
4/9

In Medinat America, frum and secular Christians alike celebrate Candlemas by watching a groundpig look for its shadow.
5/9

Traditionally, clear weather on Candlemas forebode an extra six weeks of winter. This belief has evolved to holding that the groundpig's shadow will determine when spring will arrive.
6/9

Some students may make the traditional pilgrimage to the village of Punxsutawney, where the groundpig ceremony takes place.
7/9

In spite of its name, a groundpig is not a true swine, and Christians only observe it from a distance; they do not attempt to slaughter or consume it. Traditional Candlemas foods include pancakes and tamales.
8/9

Students who wish to participate in the pilgrimage to Punxsutawney or miss school to attend religious services should bring a note from their Christian rabbi if they want the absence to be excused.

Yours in education,
Principal Dovid Malka-Fein
#MedinatAmerica
9/9