The proposal for world calendar reform, which is currently before the United Nations Social and Economic Council here, is unlikely to be acted on at the current session, it was reported here today. After five non-governmental organizations testified on the proposal yesterday, France suggested that the entire matter be referred to member governments for further study.
The World Calendar Association and the Indian Council for World Affairs spoke in favor of the proposal for changing the calendar through the use of a “blank day. ” The Agudas Israel and World Jewish Congress spoke against the idea, pointing out that it would change the position of the Sabbath day in the week and interfere with religious practices of Jews and other Sabbath observers. A Catholic group, noting that it was not speaking for the Vatican, said that this was not the time for changing the calendar and suggested it was a religious problem.
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.