Play later in the day

Religion and football need not collide

On September 30, two Big Ten football teams currently nationally ranked in the top five will meet in Ann Arbor, with the Rose Bowl and national title hopes likely hanging in the balance. But for many students, this could not have come at a worse time. Jewish students, in observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Hebrew New Year, might be forced into choosing whether to attend morning services or the game.

The University should do everything in its power to accommodate those students who wish to fulfill their religious obligations and support the football team. Because the bulk of Rosh Hashanah's observance occurs in the morning and early afternoon, many Jewish students would be able to attend a later game.

The Athletic Department has the ability to establish a dialogue with television networks and request that they broadcast the game in the late afternoon.

Allowing the game to be played during the 3:30 to 7 p.m. time-slot could well accommodate the numerous Jewish students and fans who have already purchased their tickets. If they are truly committed to students over television, the Athletic Department has a responsibility to lobby the networks on the behalf of Jewish fans. The three and a half hours between possible game times means little to television networks and most fans except those who are obliged to attend religious services that particular morning.

The Jewish population is a prominent part of campus. When the time of the September 30 game against Wisconsin is finally decided, hopefully the dilemma for Jewish students will have been an equally vital part of the consideration.