An appeal to Jewish students here not to sign up for released time religious instruction has been issued by the Jewish Community Relations Council, after it became known that many boys and girls about to enter high school had received letters from the Council of Churches of Allegheny County urging them to participate in the program during the coming school year.
In a letter to the Jewish community of this area, published in the local Jewish press, Lilian A. Friedberg, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, reminded area families that the Jewish community has officially taken a stand in opposition to released time classes. It was also pointed out that none of the synagogues or religious schools in this area would conduct such classes.
The letter also stated that the Jewish community’s opposition was based on adherence to the principle of separation of Church and State. It concluded: “We repeat again our conviction that the teaching of religion is the privilege and responsibility of the home and synagogue. We respectfully urge Jewish families to avail themselves of the excellent educational resources which are now available in our several institutions of Jewish learning.”
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