In the midst of the current financial crisis, Congress took a break. This year, Congress took two days off to acknowledge the Jewish holidays Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

And while religious observance is important, should Congress ever decide to take a day off during a crisis?

According to a CNN report last updated Oct. 1, the $700 billion bank rescue plan, which included raising the FDIC insurance cap to $250,000, was voted on after sundown, in observance of Rosh Hashanah.

Congressional leaders from both parties make a schedule every January to request days off. This tentative list is not comprised of only religious days. Last year, Congress was in session for both Jewish holidays.

“With such a large financial crisis on our plate, it makes me worry that Congress is taking the day off, and especially that the day off is right before a vote,” said freshman undecided major Alex Padilla.

An article published by Slate.com on Sept. 30 stated Congress has 29 members of the House of Representatives and 13 members of the Senate who are Jewish. Congress also has two Muslim representatives, two Buddhist representatives and 16 Mormon representatives serving in the House.

Shouldn’t all these representatives be able to observe their religious holidays?

“I believe that everyone has the right to practice their own religion,” said freshman photography major Alicia Wasilewski. “I also believe that if one religion gets the day off for a religious holiday, it is only fair to allow all religions to have days off for their own religious holidays.”

Still, some may see a day off as just a day they don’t have to work.

“Personally, I wish I could take two days off from work,” said John Kissane, sophomore political science major. “Honestly, it’s the Senate – 100 members that usually break early and take sessions off. I would be angrier if the House of Representatives took off. One less thing we have to pay them for.”

Congress taking the whole day off for religious observance may initially be surprising. However, people should agree they would not like their personal beliefs hindered. America is the land of opportunity, equality, freedom of speech and freedom to your own religion.

Tolerance and understanding should prelude frustration.

Congress did vote, the bailout package was passed and the economy seems to be recovering.

While Congress took time off, they did not ignore their responsibilities.