Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, started Wednesday night and lasts through Friday, but classes still go on as scheduled.
Though Jewish students still face the dilemma of choosing to attend classes or observe the holiday, UF has a policy that requires professors to respect religious holidays.
As long as a student gives notice to his or her professor, the absence must be excused.
If the professor does not make an accommodation, the student should contact UF's Office of the Ombudsman.
The policy applies for all religious holidays.
The office's purpose is to assist members of the UF community in solving problems, according to the office's Web site.
Students can call to schedule an appointment or just walk into the office, located in Tigert Hall.
Not all students choose to fully participate in Rosh Hashanah.
"It's honestly harder for me to change one of my labs on Thursday than just to go to it," said Ali Greenfeder, UF sophomore.
There are also options available on campus for students who want to attend Rosh Hashanah services.
Sephardic services are held at Hillel at UF.
Hillel also offers free services and meals to all UF and SFCC students.
Reform Judaism and Conservative Judaism services will be held in the Rion and Grand ballrooms at the Reitz Union.
Keith Dvorchik, executive director of Hillel, said about 400 to 550 people are expected to attend Reform services, about 800 to 1,100 people are expected at Conservative services and around 100 people are expected to attend Sephardic services.
"Last year I went to Hillel for services, and there is just an amazing feeling of unity throughout the whole room which is incredible," said Danielle Obrart, president of the Jewish Student Union.
Last year the Jewish Student Union held a New Year's party.
This year Hillel and Lubavitch-Chabad Jewish Student & Community Center are in charge of the programming, Obrart said.
All of the money for Hillel's events is from private donations from individuals and businesses.
"It is a personal choice to go to services or to class, but I feel that this is a huge holiday and one should be observing," said Lauren Weissman, UF sophomore. "I like being here because I can go to services with all of my friends. I can be a part of this community."
Rosh Hashanah has unique traditions such as the blowing of a ram's horn, known as a shofar, at synagogue. Another is the dipping of apples in honey, which symbolizes a sweet new year.
"I love that as the weather changes in the fall, the New Year begins," Dvorchik said. "It is a tangible sign that we are starting over, and it is a great time to reflect on life, decisions I have made and refocus my priorities."
