Religions have been around for thousands of years now and over time, they have evolved since. People have changed or altered how they practice certain religions, based on their own beliefs and interests. The modern world has so many different religions, some of which have stayed the same, while others have changed. Some people even believe in two religions.

Freshman Lily Geller and her family have practiced the religions Judaism and Christianity together for as long as they can remember. The two religions may be similar, but they have their differences.

“We light the Menorah and then we also have a Christmas tree,” Geller says.

Geller and her family practice Jewish rituals such as lighting the menorah, family meals for Judaism, Yom Kippur,  Passover. However, they also celebrate Easter traditions, and decorate a Christmas tree.

Practicing different religions, however, may cause conflicting schedules in terms of plans and breaks.

“Sometimes there will be a Christmas band rehearsal during Hanukkah,” Geller says.

With two religions, many different practices are conducted and they affect each other. In response, the Geller family alters the practice a little bit.

“We get less presents for both of the holidays, because it’s combined. Sometimes when it’s really busy one night, we sometimes won’t light the Menorah or we might light it later after sundown, which is when you are supposed to light it,” Geller says.

All families have their own alterations to religious practices, and the Geller family changes the tradition slightly.

Even though the school system has Christmas break, Gellar thinks she would enjoy a “Hanukkah Break” as well.

“I think its fine. But it would be nice to have two breaks,” Geller says. “However, sometimes Hanukkah overlaps into Christmas, so it all works out.”

With the world constantly changing, more breaks might even be added to our district as many students celebrate Jewish holidays.

“I do think Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah we should have off. Many other towns do,” Geller says. “It’s just annoying to miss school every year.”

In addition, Gellar feels that religions are sometimes overlooked in modern society and hopes that in the future, people will be more aware of religious holidays.

“I do wish people were more aware of what was going on…like scheduling dance recitals that overlap it,” Geller says.