The Conservative rabbinate of Philadelphia has served notice that its members will refuse to officiate or participate in any religious and social events at which violations of the Sabbath and the Jewish Dietary Laws are likely. The 52 rabbis, affiliated with the local branch of the Rabbinical Assembly of America, made this position known during services at their synagogues.
Calling on all Jewish organizations to honor the dietary laws at public functions, the rabbis called the violation of Sabbath and kashruth a threat to the survival of Judaism, They condemned the manner in which some religious occasions have been celebrated in the Philadelphia Jewish community in recent years. Kosher caterers in Philadelphia agreed to abide strictly with the edict for all occasions booked since September 1.
The ban applies to such Sabbath violations as smoking, candle-lighting, photography or music other than vocal at functions sponsored by Jewish families or Jewish organizations; In their statement, the rabbis said they would not “attend or officiate at any time at functions catered by kosher caterers who permit any of these Sabbath violations.”
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