Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Rabbis Clamp Ban on All Poultry As Climax to Clash on Kashruth

November 6, 1934
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The New York Orthodox rabbinate yesterday pronounced a ban on all poultry not bearing the tags of rabbinical supervision. More than 2,000 persons attended the impressive services at the Bath Medresh Hagodol, Norfolk and Grand streets.

The synagogue seats 400 and police tried to bar the entrance when the auditorium was full, but a stream of elderly Jews swept away the guard and clambered over benches, crowding the aisles. Some perched precariously on window-sills.

A hush fell over the audience as Rabbi Benjamin Fleisher mounted the podium, attired in ceremonial prayer shawl and skull cap. The phylacteries were strapped to his forehead. Standing behind the symbolic seven-branched candlestick, he pleaded for the support of the issur.

Rabbi Israel Dushowitz, aged spiritual leader of the New York Orthodox Rabbinate, castigated the poultry market owners for their refusal to accept Judge Rosalsky’s decision establishing rabbinical supervision.

LISTENERS SOB

As he spoke members of the audience broke into sobs.

“Woe unto us that on our day cannot have Kashruth,” Rabbi Dushowitz wailed.

He appealed to the rabbinate to remain united in the issur.

Then he drew the plush curtain

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement