This month is National Work Family Month.  It is coming on the heels of a month that included significant holidays for religious groups in America that highlights the importance of workplace flexibility.  September saw Ramadan, a most significant month for Muslims, and Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, significant for Jewish Americans.

During the past few weeks in particular, conflicts between work and religious observance were significant for many religious Americans.  Khalil is a Muslim friend of mine who works in the Midwest.  He works at a factory in Ohio where I grew up.  Friday prayers are very important to his religious life.  However, at a time when Midwestern factory jobs are disappearing and job security is scarce, Khalil feels conflicted in taking time from work for religious observance.  Ramadan highlights the focus on his faith.  It draws attention to an issue Khalil faces all year, how does he remain a good worker in a scarce job market when has Friday work hours, while staying true to his faith and its requirements for prayer?