The London press in reporting the swearing-in of members of the new House of Commons commented on the Jewish members taking the oath on the Pentateuch and wearing their hats.
At long intervals, says the “Daily News,” a Jew, with his hat on, would break the monotony. A. M. Samuel’s resplendent “topper” was especially conspicuous. The Jewish oath on the Five Books of Moses, says the “Daily Herald,” was taken by A. M. Samuel and Sir Herbert Samuel wearing their silk hats. The chief interest of the ceremony to the observer, says the “Daily Telegraph” was to notice who kissed the Book, and who did not; who were Scots and raised the right-hand palm outwards as they repeated the words; and who were Jews and put their hats on as they were sworn.
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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.
