Synagogue presidents and rabbis in Toronto have been warned against advertising in general media for High Holy Day services “which would be more appropriate for a commercial entertainment project than for a house of worship,” the national joint public relations committee of the Canadian Jewish Congress and B’nai B’rith disclosed today.
The warning was made by the Central Region of the Joint Public Relations Committee in anticipation of renewed advertising by synagogues in local dailies, billboards and placards. Some of the advertising, the Central Region letter declared, “leaves a good deal to be desired from the point of view of good taste, proclaiming rather blatantly the vocal attainments of cantor and choir, listing seat prices and pointing out physical conveniences and accommodations.”
The letter urged “simple and straightforward announcements which give the information details such as time, place, type of service and method of arranging for seating reservations, without garish display.”
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