Instructions on how to exercise the greatest possible economy in fuel without transgressing the religious law which forbids the extinguishing of lights on the Sabbath, are given to the Jewish community here in a letter addressed by the Chief Rabbi, Dr. J.H. Hertz, to the ministers of all synagogues.
“The Ministry of Fuel,” the letter reads, “has consulted with the Chief Rabbinate on the following problem: According to Jewish religious law, it is not permissible to extinguish gas or electric light on the Sabbath. For that reason, in observant Jewish homes, a light is kept burning, and a gas jet for preserving the warmth of food.
“The Ministry realizes that a religious principle is involved and does not desire to interfere with conscientious observance of the Sabbath. However, owing to the exigencies of the times and the serious fuel position, economics should be effected.
“The Chief Rabbi and the Beth Din, therefore, request the Jewish community to carry out the following suggestions: (a) For light, to use the lowest gas or electric light possible. For preserving the warmth of food, to use the minimum of electricity or only one gas jet, which should be kept as low as possible. (b) Whenever possible to make necessary arrangements before Sabbath for the turning off of gas and electric lights as soon as they are not needed. (c) To economize as much as possible during the week.
“The Chief Rabbi and the Beth Din are sure,” the letter concludes, “that the Jewish community, while fully observing the Sabbath, will readily respond to their appeal for economy, which is most vital at this stage of the war.”
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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.
