New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-14
URGING THE CLAIMS OF THE SABBA1h
HEBREW RABBrs UNITE IN PLEADING FOR ITS
sTMCTER OBSERVANCE.

HEBREW RABBIS UNITE IN PLEADING FOR ITS
sTRICTER OBSERVANCE.
The Hebrew ministers Of this city, acting In accord
with plan arranged at the last meeting of the jewish
Minister'S Association, began general crusade yes'er
day against the desecrau0n OF the Hebrew SaoDa'h
by people OF that faith From every Hebrew pulpit
in the city sermons on this subject were preached
Yesterday morning; and the sermons, as rule, were
strong and TO the point showing that the raoos were
earnest in the work The congregations, as o rule
were larger than usual for it had been generanS
understood that the movement against Sabbath desc
Grafton was to be begun. The movement Is tho rosuo
OF an agitation that has been going on In the jewish
Minister'S Association for some time. The rsDo's Oh
many synagogues complained that not only was
business conducted by many OF their people Oh inc
day Of rest but that many were given over ID the
seeking OF pleasure in theatres, games, and other
amusements that clearly violated the holiness OF the
dav About six weeks ago the crisis came. IheFe
were many long discussions among the ministers Dc
fore they came TO an agreement In regaru 10 Vho
course they should pursue, for they knew that there
were many difficulties in the way and it was necessary
TO agree upon Of action that would be effective
and yet not be too harsh or exacting
Rabbi Gottllel, OF the Temple Emanu-El, in Fifth
ave- preached q sermon OF a general nature on the
subject lie depored the laxty Of the people OF his
faith In keeping the sabbath and earnestly urged
more attention to divine service and less
attention TO business that day. lie
spoke strongly Of the sanctity that homo
should possess on that day. and declared that In the
peace and friendship OF family reunion lay ono OF the
best methods of properly observing the day He urged
the women 10 make home a place Of quiet attractive
ness on that day. and to do their best to discourage
the following Of unhoy amu5ements.
Dr.. Joseph Silveunau also spoke in the Temple
Emanu Ell. He spoke of the many Jews who never
attended divine service and who practised nothing OF
Judaism that would lead them to o higher and better
life. II Judaism TO be perpetuated, he sald The
young would have to be taught Its principles, and the
only place these principles could be thoroughly taught
was at the synagogue. He believed that the syna
gorues should be open the first day of the week. rs
well as on the last, that all should have oppor
tuDity 10 attend.
Rabbi Henry 5, Jacobs, the president OF the Jewish
Minister'S Association, preached powerful on
tho subject I'm the Bna Jeshurun Synagogue Madison
ave. and sixty nfthst.
In conversation with Tribune reporter Rabbi
jacobs said that he hoped the movement would not
he construed into the encouragement OF strait
laced observance of the sabbath The Jewish deS Of
the sabbath he said that besides being day for
worship ii a day Of quiet, peaceful enjoy ment.
urgent, but sim he felt that work the sabbath
could not be cOuntenanced and that people or Jewish
faith should do little labor on that day possible
He was strongly In favor OF rcviving the old custom
OF family reunion the sabbath, believing that this
custom did much to keep up the sanctty Of the day.