Statement on the Rosh Hashanah City Meeting

On September 16 the City held a candidate orientation. This was a good thing as we as candidates got a first hand account from the Interim City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and others of how they perform their jobs and work with the Mayor and Council.

The problem. It was held on Rosh Hashanah, which is one of the Jewish religion's High Holidays. I know of one candidate who was unable to attend to get this important insight into the city. Which by itself is bad enough.

When I first saw the invitation for the orientation I checked my calendar and saw that it was listed as Rosh Hashanah and immediately communicated my concern that this date could be problematic. The city chose to move forward with the orientation even after the oversight was brought to their attention.

It was a tone-deaf decision. But more than that it was the signal the city was sending. We are supposed to be a diverse city and an inclusive community. To ignore an important day for those of Jewish faith was not in keeping with who the city professes to be.

They have apologized and said that they will do better in the future. I believe they want to put words to action, but I also believe in oversight and accountability. My statement to MoCo360media follows:

"I am not of the Jewish faith but I knew the Rosh Hashanah date was going to create a conflict with Jewish council candidates and perhaps city staff and I immediately communicated that to the city staff. I think my recognition of the Rosh Hashanah conflict and making the city aware of it led to my name being included in the list of people to whom the city apologized. I hope this letter of apology is disseminated widely so the Jewish community is aware of Rockville's commitment to do better. It is my hope that I will be elected to the next City Council and able to ensure that the City lives up to its commitment to diversity and inclusion."