As a former Brunswick resident and the proud parent of two Brunswick High School graduates, I am appalled that the school calendar still does not list the three major Jewish Holidays. It is embarrassing that Ms. Clough would refer to the Jewish community as “outside groups” being able to post on the calendar. This is a person interested education for all? Ms. Connors referring to non-mainstream groups with long holidays. Is that her opinion and who is she to judge the beliefs of anyone?

We are not a theocracy, although founded on Christian — primarily Protestant — cultural observances. My children, all now in their late 30s, faced the conflict of events being scheduled on Jewish holidays. There is never an issue of having to worry about anything being scheduled for Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, or for that matter the secular holiday of Thanksgiving. The calendar currently has Halloween; really a pagan universal holiday?

Over 20 years ago one of my children challenged the diversity and narrow minded thinking of the school, emerging the victor. It is sad that this narrow minded approach still exists in a town and area that has produced children who have received amazing educations, thanks in great part to parents and teachers speaking out, not to mention some progressive school board members.

Does it really matter how crowed the calendar becomes or how long some holidays exist? This is the real world and diversity although slow, has indeed finally come to Maine. Embrace it! Do not fight it for the betterment of all of us.

Finally a thank you to WCSH 6 for airing the story and the Brunswick Jewish community.

Beth Cassel-Tableman,
Westbrook