How To Survive Midterms and Jewish Holidays

Jewish holidays are lots of fun, but they also come with a lot of restrictions. On a Jewish holiday, no electricity is allowed. No writing is allowed. Prayers take up a large part of the day. Which makes doing homework and going to class a little difficult, and makes midterm week nearly impossible. But here are some tricks that will get you through the holiday season.

1. Skip any other extracurriculars that aren’t absolutely essential.
2. Extensions, extensions, extensions! Ask for them. Teachers are very understanding about religious restrictions and will often let you push off a test and even a paper.
3. Go to classes on the holidays, even if you can’t write. If you enjoy the class and aren’t just going to prepare for something that’s happening later, it’s not a problem according to Jewish law. It can be a little weird, especially since you can’t mark yourself present on the attendance sheet, but it’s worth it.
4. Complain to your other Jewish Orthodox friends. Everyone is going through the same thing here. Venting is good for your soul.
5. Eat lots of good Jewish food. It’s the holiday season – the stuff is everywhere. Stuff yourself with chocolate bobka, and life will instantly seem more manageable. Also good for your soul.
6. Pray. One of the benefits of being a religious Jew is that you can turn to G-d in times of trouble or extreme college-related stress. Either way, it can’t hurt.

I am currently writing this article ten minutes before Shabbos, with yet another Jewish holiday, Simchat Torah, looming on the horizon. This may not be the best article I’ve ever written, but look, I’m surviving. And you can too.