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Jewish Orthodox Congregations Urge ‘silent Devotion’ in Schools

May 4, 1964
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
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Religious leaders throughout the United States were called upon here tonight to support “a positive program aimed at instilling deep religious conviction in the minds and hearts of American schoolchildren which would render unnecessary the current attempts at securing a constitutional amendment permitting prayers in the public schools.”

Moses I. Feuerstein, national president of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, proposed that “a moment of silent devotion at the start of each school day be instituted in public schools throughout the nation in accordance with the sincere desire on the part of the vast majority of Americans for some form of religious orientation in the schools.” He made the proposal at the annual national dinner at the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the organization serving 3,100 synagogues throughout the United States and Canada.

Mayor Robert F. Wagner was honored at the dinner for his contributions toward the enactment of the Fair Sabbath Law which permits family-operated businesses that are closed on Saturdays to be open on Sundays, a measure vigorously championed by the UOJCA.

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