Thursday, November 12, 2009
Leave Our Beards Alone, Say Orthodox Jews
Can't a dude wear a beard? That all-important question is at the heart of a complaint three Orthodox Jews are bringing against the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Department.
The three men, who don't shave in accordance with their religious beliefs, said the Department is preventing them from riding on calls because they're unable to wear specialized safety masks with their beards. The beards can't be worn with the breathing masks, since it reduces the seal of the masks.
They've filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that this violates their religious rights. They contend that there are alternate masks available, but that the Fire Department isn't accommodating their requests. They also allege that their membership in a different rescue agency that's mainly made up of other Orthodox Jews is one of the reasons they were prevented from going on calls with the Pikesville Fire Department.
We know what some of you are saying: "Just shave the damn beard." Others are likely thinking, "If they want to participate, they have to follow the rules."
That's a valid argument, but the men claim that there's no real reason for them to have to wear the masks. They serve as medics, not firefighters. Since they're not entering burning buildings or putting themselves in overly dangerous situations, there's little need for a breathing apparatus, they say.
Furthermore, they allege that they've been suspended for not wearing masks that the Fire Department doesn't even own. The three men are claiming that the Fire Department only raised the issue because they were planning on purchasing the masks at some far-off date.
For now, the complaint is moving forward.
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Leave-Our-Beards-Alone-Say-Orthodox-Jews-69786752.html
The three men, who don't shave in accordance with their religious beliefs, said the Department is preventing them from riding on calls because they're unable to wear specialized safety masks with their beards. The beards can't be worn with the breathing masks, since it reduces the seal of the masks.
They've filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that this violates their religious rights. They contend that there are alternate masks available, but that the Fire Department isn't accommodating their requests. They also allege that their membership in a different rescue agency that's mainly made up of other Orthodox Jews is one of the reasons they were prevented from going on calls with the Pikesville Fire Department.
We know what some of you are saying: "Just shave the damn beard." Others are likely thinking, "If they want to participate, they have to follow the rules."
That's a valid argument, but the men claim that there's no real reason for them to have to wear the masks. They serve as medics, not firefighters. Since they're not entering burning buildings or putting themselves in overly dangerous situations, there's little need for a breathing apparatus, they say.
Furthermore, they allege that they've been suspended for not wearing masks that the Fire Department doesn't even own. The three men are claiming that the Fire Department only raised the issue because they were planning on purchasing the masks at some far-off date.
For now, the complaint is moving forward.
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Leave-Our-Beards-Alone-Say-Orthodox-Jews-69786752.html
Comments:
ikesville VFC makes history
By MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG Senior Correspondent
1st Responder Network Story Number 073108127
By Andrea Lavine
Andrea Lavine has been elected 3rd EMS (Emergency Medical Service) Lieutenant at Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company, marking the first time a female Orthodox Jewish volunteer in Baltimore County has held such a rank.
By Andrea Lavine
Andrea Lavine has been elected 3rd EMS (Emergency Medical Service) Lieutenant at Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company, marking the first time a female Orthodox Jewish volunteer in Baltimore County has held such a rank.
A Pikesville woman who balances being a wife, mother of two teenage daughters, and a career as a hospital-based pediatric social worker has been elected 3rd EMS (Emergency Medical Service) Lieutenant at Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company, marking the first time a female Orthodox Jewish volunteer in Baltimore County has held such a rank.
“I wanted to be an EMS provider since age seven and thought about it seriously when I was 18 but was concerned how I would balance that with my Orthodox lifestyle,” said Lt. Andrea Ziv Lavine, who in addition to being elected as a lieutenant was also named PVFC’s EMS Provider of the Year for 2007. “When I married I remained interested but ignorant of my options.” As Lavine embarked on her career she met a volunteer, educated herself about the options, and decided to apply – after her husband completed his PhD.
By MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG Senior Correspondent
1st Responder Network Story Number 073108127
By Andrea Lavine
Andrea Lavine has been elected 3rd EMS (Emergency Medical Service) Lieutenant at Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company, marking the first time a female Orthodox Jewish volunteer in Baltimore County has held such a rank.
By Andrea Lavine
Andrea Lavine has been elected 3rd EMS (Emergency Medical Service) Lieutenant at Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company, marking the first time a female Orthodox Jewish volunteer in Baltimore County has held such a rank.
A Pikesville woman who balances being a wife, mother of two teenage daughters, and a career as a hospital-based pediatric social worker has been elected 3rd EMS (Emergency Medical Service) Lieutenant at Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company, marking the first time a female Orthodox Jewish volunteer in Baltimore County has held such a rank.
“I wanted to be an EMS provider since age seven and thought about it seriously when I was 18 but was concerned how I would balance that with my Orthodox lifestyle,” said Lt. Andrea Ziv Lavine, who in addition to being elected as a lieutenant was also named PVFC’s EMS Provider of the Year for 2007. “When I married I remained interested but ignorant of my options.” As Lavine embarked on her career she met a volunteer, educated herself about the options, and decided to apply – after her husband completed his PhD.
You could get Kosher Shavers that all the rabinam said you could use and you don't have to make a big fuss from it.
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Comment Credit ---This article posted by 
: November 13, 2009 9:25 AM
: November 13, 2009 9:25 AM
