The Jewish religion

Page 329, note 2.—Doubt has been expressed as to the rule in the case of Mezuzah. The rule certainly does apply. We must bear in mind that the form of the blessings is determined by the general circumstances of the Mitsvah, and not by the exceptional conditions. As a rule the owner of the house, or a member of his household fixes [540]the Mezuzah, whilst in the case of SHOFARL, MILAH, and the like the Mitsvah is as a rule performed by a substitute.

Page 300, note 4.—This note refers to the cases of a Jew being compelled by the laws of the State to do on Sabbath what the Divine Law forbids. The remark applies also to those who, in seeking a living, yield to the force of the circumstances, and break the Sabbath laws. Every possible opportunity should he seized to remind them of the existence of Sabbath and to inspire them with a desire to keep the Fourth Commandment. Care should, however, be taken that the means employed for this purpose should not cause the Sabbath to be utterly ignored, and Judaism utterly forgotten. Such would, e.g., be the result if Jewish congregations were to institute special Sunday services for those who are unwilling to attend the Synagogue on Sabbath, or to join their brethren in the ordinary morning or evening Services.

Page 411.—In the Portuguese Synagogues no Haphtarah is read on Fast-days during the Minchah service, except on the 9th of Ab, when Hosea xiv, 2–10, and Micah vii, 18–20 is read.

Page 441.—In the Portuguese rite the prayer “alenu” is preceded and not followed by a “Kaddish of the Orphans.”