Old men mothers of little children and children should “for obvious reasons” not attend public religious services during the forthcoming High Holidays but should say their prayers at home is the advice given by Chief Rabbi J.H. Hertz in a circular sent to the ministers and honorary officers of Jewish congregations throughout the United Kingdom.
There will be no sounding of the shofar at Neilah the circular points out because prayers must conclude before blackout while the fast does not end until 5 54 p.m. in London. On the other hand soundings of the shofar during New Year service should on no account be curtailed the circular states.
The Chief Rabbi’s circular further gives instructions for a special service on Sunday Sept. 8 which has been proclaimed a day of national prayer in connection with the outbreak of the war. The sounding of the Shofar will be one of the features of this service as well.
Stressing the fact that the anniversary intercession service is to be held in accordance with a desire expressed by the King the Chief Rabbi in his circular declares that “His Majesty’s Jewish subjects will loyally obey the Royal summons.”
“It will be a day of supplication for delivery from the terrors that threaten our beloved country as well as a time of mourning for the thousands of our brothers in Poland who have fallen victims to the hate-lust and blood-lust of the merciless persecutor.” the circular adds.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
