Baltimore Redistricting Meeting Shifted From Sabbath
A hearing to discuss political redistricting in the Baltimore area was rescheduled to accommodate Jewish Sabbath observers.
Twelve public meetings were scheduled throughout the state to allow input from residents into the congressional and legislative redistricting. The two meetings in the Baltimore area both conflicted with Shabbat.
The meeting scheduled for Aug. 12 was moved from 7 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Shabbat starts at about 7:30. A second meeting will be held on a Saturday at the end of the month.
“There is enough time to testify and get home or go to synagogue” before the Sabbath begins, Linda Janey, assistant secretary for communications at the state Department of Planning, said in a news release posted on Citybizlist.
Testimony in the form of an e-mail is also permitted. The Maryland Legislature will hold a special session on redistricting the week of Oct. 17.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
