It appears the Albany County Democratic Committee does not want to encourage observant Jews to become candidates or members of the Democratic committee. The county committee's Democratic Party leadership held their candidate interviews on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, when observant Jews do not use any vehicles, electricity or engage in any business activity.
While observant Jews celebrated the holiday of Shavuos, the full membership of the Albany County Democratic Committee convened to endorse candidates running in this year's elections.
In Albany, wards 8, 9 and 14 are heavily populated with observant Jews. Bethlehem also has a strong observant Jewish population. Albany County enjoys nine Jewish houses of worship.
Shavuos commemorates the time when the Jewish people received the Holy Scriptures, the Torah, from Moses as he descended from Mount Sinai. This is an especially meaningful holiday for observant Jews.
The timing of the committee meeting was in direct conflict with religious observance. It boggles the mind why the Albany County Democratic Committee would force observant Jews to choose between their involvement in the political process and their religious beliefs.
If anyone is wondering why observant Jews do not seek elected office in Albany County, this will be a prime example.
Marc Gronich
Albany