We live in a nation whose citizens come from every corner of the planet. For this we are fortunate, especially during this time of year, the holiday season, when the colorful falling leaves turn our thoughts to the profound — life and death, family and humanity — and when many religions and cultures in the world celebrate a holiday or festival.
A remarkable phenomenon and a reminder that for all of our misunderstandings, at the most basic, we are all the same.
According to a recent survey, only about one-fourth of Americans are familiar with the teachings of Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism. Most likely, even less know the difference between Sikhism and Baha’i or between Hmong, Chinese and Russian New Year festivities. As citizens of a diverse nation, it is our responsibility and privilege to learn about the culture and faith of all Americans.
So as homework this winter break, take the time to learn about a faith different from your own. Read passages from a different religious text. Attend a different holiday service and talk with somebody about his or her beliefs.
We see acts of religious hatred every day in the newspaper. Sometimes it seems as if those of different faiths will never be able to live in peace. We rarely see the little moments of understanding, friendship and love. Each of these moments goes a long way toward healing the conflicts of the past and present and toward establishing a future of mutual respect and inclusion.
Your second homework assignment for the holy days is to reflect on the importance of the American ideal of secular government, where people of all religious faiths, and no religious faith, are equally endorsed and served. In these annoyingly politically correct times, expressing the appropriate holiday cheer can be a maddening exercise in vagueness. But the impulse underlying is a good one, even if it has gone way too far. We need to remember this now more than ever.
Lastly, the holy days of winter break are a time to give to those less fortunate. You don’t need money — the most valuable thing you can give is the one thing we will all have: time. Whatever your talent is, there is a charity that could use your services.
Good luck on finals. Have a great winter break, a joyous holy day season and a happy new year.

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