Why Orthodox Jews are pushing back against permanent daylight saving time

Orthodox Jewish groups in the United States are mounting a campaign to block legislation that would make daylight saving time (DST) permanent nationwide. The proposal, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, was recently passed by the House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support. However, Orthodox Jewish advocacy organizations argue that the change would disrupt their religious practices and daily routines. The bill would end the biannual switch between standard time and daylight saving time, keeping clocks set to DST permanently. This shift would mean that in certain regions, winter sunrises would occur an hour later than they currently do. For example, in parts of the country, the earliest sunrise would move past 9 a.m., altering the timing of daily activities. Orthodox Jews, who follow strict schedules based on the time of sunrise, say this change would interfere with their ability to perform morning rituals and attend synagogue services. Agudath Israel of America, a prominent Orthodox Jewish advocacy group, has called for the Senate to reject the legislation. In a statement following the House's approval, the organization expressed concern that the new schedule would create significant challenges for observant Jews. According to the group, the later sunrise would make it difficult for individuals to reach work or school on time, especially since Jewish law prohibits reciting key morning prayers before specific times tied to sunrise. The organization also highlighted the impact on children, noting that the change might require them to travel to school before dawn. Additionally, Agudath Israel warned that the adjustment could pose public safety risks due to reduced visibility during morning commutes. The group emphasized that these issues were not hypothetical, citing historical examples such as the brief U.S. experiment with year-round DST in the 1970s, which ended due to public discontent over dark winter mornings. Other Orthodox groups, including the Orthodox Union and the Coalition for Jewish Values, have also voiced opposition to the measure. Some religious leaders acknowledge the potential benefits of extended DST, particularly regarding the timing of Shabbat. During the winter, Shabbat begins at sundown, which can occur before 4 p.m. in certain areas. With DST, this time would shift later, allowing more time for preparation before the Sabbath. Menachem Posner, a writer for Chabad.org, noted that while the change could offer advantages, it would also present logistical difficulties, especially for maintaining the required number of participants in morning prayer gatherings. He acknowledged that the shift might complicate efforts to form a minyan, the 10-person quorum necessary for communal worship. In Israel, Orthodox political parties have previously raised concerns about changes to the daylight saving calendar. In 2011, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government approved extending DST until the first Sunday after October 1, despite objections from haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties. These groups argued that the change would conflict with their religious traditions, particularly regarding the timing of Yom Kippur fasting. Agudath Israel is now urging lawmakers to consider alternative solutions, such as maintaining the current system of seasonal clock changes or adopting permanent standard time. The organization believes that any decision should take into account the broader implications for religious communities and public safety. As the debate continues, the Senate is expected to review the legislation and determine its fate. The outcome will likely depend on how effectively proponents and opponents can present their arguments, balancing the convenience of a fixed daylight schedule with the cultural and religious considerations of affected communities.