The Jews and the Sabbath
By L. A. S.
AMONG the many noteworthy developments of these eventful times, one of peculiar interest is the present attitude of the Jews in the matter of Sabbath observance. The proposed change on their part from the observance of the seventh day to that of the first day of the week, is one that sets aside the unbroken teaching and practice of many centuries. It means the removal of a distinguishing feature from the identity of one of the most peculiar and historically prominent peoples of all time. It means a tremendous break in an order of things inaugurated by the thunders from Mount Sinai four thousand years ago, and perpetuated almost without interruption from that date. True, the Jews have long since ceased to be the chosen people of God; but none the less is their proposed abandonment of the day given them when they were God’s people a sign of the eventful character of the times. The proposition is now made to go over to the observance of Sunday, for the sake of business convenience and conformity with the religious majority, and make of the seventh day an ordinary business day of the week. Yet this is only a proposition to do openly and formally what is already an accomplished fact in practice; for in reality the Jewish tradesman no longer ceases from his business activities on the seventh day. Indeed, the virtual abandonment of the Sabbath has become general among Jews of all classes, if we may believe what Jewish authorities themselves assert. Here, for example, is the testimony of Rabbi J. Voorsanger, of San Francisco, who opened the debate on the subject at the recent Central Conference of American Rabbis in New Orleans:— Sabbath rest, so far as its public character is concerned, is nullified by the exigencies of the times; and the public, as well as the domestic, celebration of the day is affected in consequence. This is a fact that admits of no discussion. We must look it straight in the face, and keep strict account with it. The fact that individuals may keep the Sabbath by no means affects the general statement. The latter is not only true as regards the centers of Jewish population in America, but the same facts may be noted in European centers like Berlin and Paris. Jewish banks and counting-houses are open on the Sabbath. Professional men are busy. Artisans pursue their toil, and the lamentable truth is that even many who theoretically accept the divine authority of the Sabbath commandment ignore it practically, and pursue their daily avocation. Nor is this almost universal secularization of the Sabbath for the pursuit of labor the greatest evil. Far exceeding the latter is that the sanctifying influence of the day is becoming lost. The day has not retained its hold upon the household. Women and children imitate their male relatives. Saturday begins to be a day whereon to discharge all the postponed duties of the week. The crowds of Jewish women who, preferably, do their shopping on Saturday, might testify to the almost hopeless change that has taken place in the practice, if not actually in the sentiment, of our people. Jewish observance of the Sabbath, antagonistic though the Jews have been to Christianity, has been a testimony through the centuries pointing back to the institution of the Sabbath by the Creator, and to the true reasons for Sabbath observance. But God has other witnesses to-day through whom the world is being pointed to this memorial of his creative and redemptive power, and their testimony is being sounded in the ears of all nations and peoples. It is no longer necessary that the Jews should stand for the observance of the seventh day, and their abandonment of the rest day of their fathers will not blot out the light of the knowledge of the true Sabbath. The whole world must hear the Sabbath truth, as it heard when it shook at the sound of the Voice speaking to mankind from Mount Sinai. The clear, plain message of Sabbath reform must go to every land; and if men should hold their peace, the very stones would immediately cry out. The Jews might have been the chosen people to enlighten the world with the knowledge of the Sabbath truth, but they lost sight of the significance of the day; and when the Lord of the Sabbath came, they did not recognize him. Other people likewise have had their opportunity to bear aloft the standard of Sabbath truth, and failed to improve it. But now the time of the last message has come, and this standard must be raised for the gathering of all those who would keep the commandments of God. The Sabbath is the testing point of allegiance to God in this final controversy of sin and righteousness, and by rejecting it, or ceasing its observance under the pressure of worldly considerations, men show plainly upon which side of the controversy they are standing.