Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Rabbis Protest Forcing Post Office Employees to Work on Saturdays

September 24, 1958
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The Rabbinical Council of America, organization of 750 Orthodox rabbis in the United States, has threatened to go to court to seek reversal of an order by the New York Post Office requiring prospective postal employees to agree to work on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. First, RCA president Rabbi Emanuel Rackman will seek an appointment with the Postmaster General of the United States, Arthur E. Summerfield, to ask for recall of the order.

In a letter to New York Postmaster Robert K. Christenberry, Rabbi Emanuel Holzer, chairman of the RCA legislative committee, pointed out that the requirement would deny observant Jews employment because they would not work on the Sabbath or on religious holidays. In reply, Mr. Christenberry noted that the week-end volune of mail is very heavy and requires the presence of virtually all employees Friday night and through the week-end, and said he would not rescind the order.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement