The Proposed Change from Saturday to Sunday
For years Jewish leaders in this country have given more or less thought to the question of the expediency of changing from the observance of the seventh day as the Sabbath, to the observance of the first day, in order to conform to the practice of the religious majority. So much favor has this idea now gained in Jewish circles that at a gathering of Jewish rabbis from all parts of the United States, held in Detroit, June 29 to July 3, one of the principal features was a report of the Sabbath Commission which had been appointed for the purpose of bringing recommendations on the subject before the meeting. For years there has been among the Jews a growing “reform” element which has advocated the change here proposed, and the appointment and report of this commission show the influence which this element is now able to exert in the Jewish church. In answer to the objections of those who oppose the contemplated change from Saturday to Sunday, its advocates loudly declare that they are not seeking to destroy the Sabbath, but to strengthen the institution among their people. These doubtless have in mind the large number of Jewish tradesmen to whom the observance of the first day of the week would be preferable to the observance of the seventh from a financial point of view. As the contest between the Sabbath and its First-day rival progresses, the line will be more and more clearly drawn between those who are actuated by principle and those who are moved by policy, in this testing matter.