Orthodox Jews push back against permanent daylight saving time

Orthodox Jewish organizations are urging the Senate to reject legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. They contend the shift would create public safety risks and significant challenges for religious life.

The House of Representatives recently passed the Sunshine Protection Act by a wide bipartisan margin. However, Agudath Israel of America, an advocacy group, stated that while they understand the appeal of ending the twice-yearly clock changes, they oppose making daylight saving time permanent.

Agudath Israel warned that permanent daylight saving time would push winter sunrises past 9 a.m. in some areas. This could force many children to travel to school before dawn. The later sunrise would also make it difficult for observant Jews to attend morning synagogue services and arrive at work or school on time, as Jewish law prohibits reciting certain morning prayers before sunrise-related times.

"The extension of DST will create an extreme hardship on observant Jews," the organization said. "It would be extraordinarily difficult, if not impossible, to arrive on time for a job and will affect the start time of our schools." The Orthodox Union and the Coalition for Jewish Values have also voiced opposition to the measure.

While the change presents challenges, one potential upside noted is a later start time for Shabbat on short winter Fridays. Shabbat begins at sundown, which can fall before 4:00 p.m. in some parts of the country during winter. With permanent daylight saving, this would shift an hour later, offering more preparation time even on the darkest winter days.

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The extension of DST will create an extreme hardship on observant Jews. It would be extraordinarily difficult, if not impossible, to arrive on time for a job and will affect the start time of our schools.