UNITED JEWISH APPEAL AT KOL NIDRE

QUESTION:

In a number of smaller communities the custom has grown up to hold a meeting for the United Jewish Appeal during the Kol Nidre service, when there is usually the largest attendance. Should the request for such a meeting be granted by the congregation, or should it be resisted? (Asked by Rabbi Fred V. Davidow, New York.)

ANSWER:

ALL THE LAWS of the Sabbath as to the prohibition of labor, business, etc., apply also to the Day of Atonement which is called Shabbas Shabbason. Therefore the question is whether a meeting, whose purpose is to raise money, may be held on the Sabbath (and, therefore, also on the Day of Atonement). The answer depends on what sort of business it is. A man may not plan certain procedures in his own business on the Sabbath, even if he does not handle any money, but is merely working out in his mind certain business procedures.

The Talmud (B. Shabbas 150a) cites the verse in Isaiah (58:13): “If thou turn away thy foot because of the Sabbath from pursuing thy business on My holy day, nor speaking thereof.” The Talmud emphasizes the words, “thy business,” and says that it is only “thy” personal business that may not be planned on the Sabbath. But communal business may be planned. One Rabbi says: “Plans for a Mitzvah may be calculated on the Sabbath.” Another says: “We may determine upon charity for the poor on the Sabbath.” All this is codified by Maimonides ( Hilchos Shabbas 24:5). He says: “We may calculate calculations for Mitzvos, we may set charity for the poor, and go to the synagogue to attend to public affairs on the Sabbath.” Thus there developed over the centuries the auctioning off of the various honor-duties (Mitzvos) on the Sabbath, and this practice is defended by the latest authority, Yechiel Epstein (Aruch Ha-Shulchan, Orah Hayyim 306:16). So there is no question that meetings for congregational business and in behalf of charity may be held on the Sabbath. See the full list of references in Reform Responsa (i.e., Volume I) page 46 ff.

What applies to the Sabbath applies, therefore, also to the Day of Atonement. In fact one might say that a meeting in behalf of charity fits especially well with the mood of the Day of Atonement, since on the High Holy Days, in the greatly revered prayer U’Nasana Tokef, the chief protection of man against the misfortunes that might befall him are given as Repentance, Prayer and Charity (Teshuva, Tefilla, Tzedaka) .

Thus there can be no traditional objections to a meeting for charity at the Kol Nidre service. Nevertheless, there are a number of dangers involved, or at least difficulties to overcome. First, while supporting charity is an acceptable aim, the method of getting pledges at such meetings, the competition, the urging, the shaming of people can certainly be flagrantly violative of the mood of the Day of Atonement. Therefore such a meeting can be permitted only if it is conducted without any bullying or hectoring, but proceeds with the calm dignity appropriate to the Day of Atonement. Another important consideration is the undue lengthening of the service. Frequently in the codes, when certain additions or interpolations are spoken of at the public service, there is concern expressed that the congregation may be unduly burdened (Mipne Tirchas Ha-Tzibbur). It must be seen to that if such a meeting is conducted, it should be fairly brief. Perhaps most importantly, it should not be permitted to interrupt the proper sequence of the service. If the meeting is to be held, it should be held before the service actually begins, i.e., before Kol Nidre.

Because of all these dangers, namely, spoiling the mood of the service, burdening the congregation by undue length of the service, and breaking up the sequence of the service, the suggestion to hold such a meeting should be received with caution.

Of course if there is already an established custom to have such a meeting at the Kol Nidre service, then the fact that it has become a custom is in itself of some standing in the law. But whether, by now, it is a prevalent custom or not, the dangers mentioned above should be carefully avoided. If they are avoided, then it can be safely said that there is no objection in Jewish law that such a meeting for this charity be held at the Kol Nidre services.