(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
The modernization of Turkey has had its reaction on the religious life of the Jewish community, calling forth an issue which a century ago troubled Jewish congregations in Western Europe. The issue was whether or not a mixed choir should be permitted in the synagogue.
The Council of the Jewish Community of Haidar Pasha decided to establish a mixed choir for the religious service in the synagogue. The Rabbinical Council of Turkey, consulted on this question, pronounced itself against a mixed choir on the ground that the Jewish religion does not permit it.
The Communal Council persisted in its project and the choir was formed in spite of the prohibition of the religious tribunal. On the evening of the inauguration of the choir, the Chief Rabbi of the community, who is a member of the religious tribunal, retired from the Synagogue as a sign of protest.
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.
