Devoted to women of color in business

Happy Rosh Hashanah and Happy Ramadan to all celebrating these sacred days. For Jewish women in business and Muslim women in business, as well as their families, these days are some of the most important in the entire holy calendar.

What is your business doing to support and promote your customers, vendors, and employees at this time? I recommend

1) Acknowledging the specialness of the occassion

2) Offering time off as needed to staff

3) Rescheduling important dates to accommodate the holidays

4)  Celebrating through an announcement, gift, donation, pro bono work, or something on behalf of the company to your extended community and clients

Rosh Hashanah is a time of preparation and prayer for the new year. Typically, people do not work or attend to mundane needs, so many important meetings, conferences, or events will typically be moved to a more convenient date. There is a specific instruction, during Rosh Hashanah, to hear the sound of the ram's horn trumpet, or the shofar:

http://www.cbbsb.org/Observance/shofar_practice.html

I offer all celebrants warm greetings for Rosh Hashanah: L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu.

For those celebrating the beginning of Ramadan, I extend very warm salutations. The month is set aside during the lunar calendar as a time for "sawm", or fasting from not only food and drink during the day, but also from evil thoughts, gossip, bad thoughts, and malicious actions. The idea of getting one's house swept and in order is something we all may learn from. In the workplace, being respectful of those practicing the fast is essential, and lunch or coffee meetings may be rescheduled or cancelled in favor of celebrations or functions after-dark.

Ramadan is also a time for generosity and taking care of others: acts of good-will and charity abound during this time, and now is a good time for businesses to consider doing team-wide pro bono or volunteer work, or making an annual donation to a cause that's important to your group.

Many best wishes for a peaceful and safe Ramadan to all who celebrate around the world.