The heads of two religious organizations told American Jews today that they should observe the coming Jewish High Holy Days in their own synagogues and avoid diluting the religious spirit in a resort atmosphere.
Rabbi Joseph Karasick, president of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, said synagogue members and their families should not “exchange the solemnity and beauty of the sacred prayer services in our houses of worship for the flimsy attractiveness of resort places and their substitute services.’
He said that “resorts which advertise, together with their High Holy Day services, Broadway shows and other entertainment of questionable value, are simply not acceptable as places of worship to the faithful Jew.”
Rabbi Zev Segal, president of the Rabbinical Council of America, said that the practice of conducting High Holy Day services “in facilities essentially devoted to entertainment and recreation is to be deplored.” He said advertisements of resorts promising “religious services as well as other forms of entertainment” were very little in keeping with the solemnity of these holy days. Such practices can only dilute the spiritual inspiration for which all of us strive during this occasion.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
