The Jewish Community Council of Istanbul ruled today that the public announcement of donations to the Jewish community and other Jewish causes will no longer be made in synagogue during the services.
This practice, in effect for generations, made it compulsory for a member of the congregation to announce his donation when he was called up to the Torah to read a portion. This led to a form of bidding for the right to read from the Torah, and the virtual elimination of all but the richest members of the congregation.
In addition, the privilege of taking the Torah out of the Ark was also given to the congregant pledging the largest contribution. A form of bidding developed about this practice, to which many congregation members objected.
Under the new system, no public announcement of pledges will be made, nor will there be any bidding for honors. As each man steps up to the Torah he will hand a filled-out pledge card to the sexton.
As the Year Turns, Support the Journalism You Trust. JTA covers the stories shaping Jewish life around the world — with the depth this moment calls for. As you reflect on the year ahead, consider a gift that keeps independent Jewish journalism strong.
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.
