Clergy Reflections on Yom Kippur: The Sadie Hawkins Dance Controversy

When I was seventeen, my high school principal made a unilateral decision – he was moving the Sadie Hawkins Day Dance, a big money maker, from the auspices of the senior class to the athletic department. The principal knew that it was a major source of revenue that helped fund prom. Instead of helping the senior class, it was going to make a lot of money for the football team. As a former football coach, he was more concerned with his team than the fiscal needs of the senior class. Big political issue, at least it was at the time. 

My classmates were none too happy with his decision, one made without consultation or conversation. I decided it was time to take some action. I wrote a one page editorial lambasting my high school’s fundraising rules and how they were hurting the efforts of the senior class to raise money for prom. I distributed a couple copies to get my friends’ opinions. Within a couple hours I found myself in the principal’s office. He had a copy of my words in his hands. It was tough to keep a secret in high school even before social media existed. 

The principal ran his school like he ran his team, demanding complete compliance. He wanted me to kill the editorial and to not share it with the school. I refused. He threatened expulsion. My response, “good luck.” He wasn’t used to a student putting up a fight. Our meeting ended when he kicked me out of his office. A few hours later, the school’s policy changed. That day, I learned that political victories start at the local level. I celebrated with a TACO. 

Not every issue is world changing. Not every issue is worth fighting for. Prom funding when you’re 17 – big deal. Not really a big deal in the scheme of things, today. But, the idea of the fight, the need to voice what needs to be voiced, it’s key to who we are as Jews and as Americans. 

Free speech. 

Dissenting opinions. 

Fighting for what you believe in without resorting to violence. 

All the while, choosing your battles and your words carefully. Yes, that describes what American Judaism should be.

Each Yom Kippur we fast and wear white in order to simplify our lives for 24 hours. We rid ourselves of planning meals and what outfits to wear. We focus on who we are, who we want to be, and how we want to change ourselves and the world for the better.

This Yom Kippur, may you remember the days of your youth when you fought for what was important to you and to your community. Then, put those memories into action. 

Yom Kippur – remember, reflect, take action. And add a TACO to your break fast.