Orthodox Jewish Communities Voice Concerns Over Proposed Permanent Daylight Saving Time Legislation
Why Orthodox Jews are opposing the new – A significant legislative development occurred this week as the U.S. House of Representatives cast a decisive vote in favor of making daylight saving time permanent across the nation. The Sunshine Protection Act, which would eliminate the biannual practice of adjusting clocks, received overwhelming support with a 308-117 tally on Tuesday, July 14. The legislation now advances to the Senate, where its ultimate fate remains uncertain despite strong backing from President Donald Trump, who characterized the current system as a “ridiculous, twice yearly production” on his Truth Social platform.
Religious Observance and Daily Schedules at Stake
While the prospect of extended evening sunshine during winter months appeals to many Americans, Orthodox Jewish organizations have mobilized to oppose the measure. The primary concern centers on the Shacharit morning prayer service, which Orthodox tradition dictates must not commence in darkness. Should the bill pass, winter sunrises would shift approximately one hour later, potentially requiring prayers to begin an hour after their customary time.
“The bottom line is, if prayers have to start an hour later that will have a direct effect on people getting to work and on when schools can start,” explained Rabbi A.D. Motzen, who serves as national director of government affairs for Agudath Israel of America, the principal organization representing Orthodox Jews throughout the United States.
The implications extend beyond individual prayer schedules. Orthodox Jewish law mandates that certain prayers, including those within the morning service, must be performed communally within a minyan—a quorum consisting of ten Jewish adults. This requirement necessitates daily synagogue attendance before individuals depart for employment or educational institutions. During these gatherings, worshippers recite the Shema, recognized as the central prayer in Jewish spiritual life. The morning service typically spans thirty-five minutes, though certain occasions extend the duration to nearly an hour.
Broader Opposition and Historical Context
Agudath Israel’s position has garnered backing from several additional Orthodox Jewish organizations, including the Orthodox Union and the Coalition for Jewish Values. Rabbi Motzen highlighted the communal dimension of this concern, noting that synagogues with century-old traditions might suddenly struggle to assemble the required ten men for morning prayers if workplace schedules conflict with the shifted prayer times.
“It becomes a communal issue when, for example, a synagogue that has had a morning prayer service for 100 years suddenly does not have a quorum of 10 men who can show up at the prayer time close to 9 o’clock because they have jobs,” Motzen observed.
On the legislative front, Agudath Israel has secured the support of Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who previously raised objections to fast-tracking the Sunshine Protection Act through Congress. The organization operates through its Washington, D.C., office, where Motzen coordinates advocacy efforts.
Orthodox Jews constitute approximately nine percent of the estimated 5.8 million Jewish adults residing in the United States, according to data from the Pew Research Center. Other major Jewish organizations have yet to publicly articulate their stance on the legislation.
Congress has repeatedly attempted to address the clock-changing dilemma throughout its history. In 1974, lawmakers tried to permanently abandon the practice of switching clocks, but public reaction prompted them to repeal the measure within months. More recently, the Senate unanimously approved permanent daylight saving time in 2022, though the House subsequently allowed the bill to expire without action.
Safety and Health Considerations
Orthodox Jewish communities share their concerns with other constituencies that oppose the proposed change. Medical professionals and health advocates contend that the human body’s circadian rhythms function more harmoniously with standard time compared to daylight saving time. Additionally, school administrators and parents worry about children navigating to school in complete darkness during winter mornings—a safety issue that Rabbi Motzen specifically emphasized.
The timing of sunrise represents a critical factor in these debates. Permanent daylight saving time would result in sunrise occurring after 8 a.m. across most of the United States, with certain regions experiencing sunrise after 9 a.m. According to a compilation prepared by Agudath Israel, South Bend, Indiana would witness sunrise after 9 a.m. for 55 days annually, with the latest sunrise reaching 9:13 a.m. Similarly, Detroit, Michigan would experience sunrise after 9 a.m. for 23 days each year.
Several states and territories already maintain standard time throughout the year, including Hawaii and most of Arizona. Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands also follow this practice consistently.
This report was developed through a collaborative effort between NPR and Religion News Service.
