‘Do Justice to Us!’ Jews and the Constitution of Canada

Introduction In 1906, the tiny Jewish community in Canada asked national legislators for the opportunity to be “good citizens.” Parliament had legislation under consideration to mandate Sunday Sabbath observance. Jews pleaded for a policy flexible enough to allow them to keep their own Sabbath without disadvantage. Simple words expressed the essence of the request: ‘Do justice to us’ according to the standards of other civilized, Christian countries. This plea for justice, equal citiz..

‘Do Justice to Us!’ Jews and the Constitution of Canada

Introduction In 1906, the tiny Jewish community in Canada asked national legislators for the opportunity to be “good citizens.” Parliament had legislation under consideration to mandate Sunday Sabbath observance. Jews pleaded for a policy flexible enough to allow them to keep their own Sabbath without disadvantage. Simple words expressed the essence of the request: ‘Do justice to us’ according to the standards of other civilized, Christian countries. This plea for justice, equal citiz..

Not Written in Stone

Using long-ignored constitutions of various Jewish organizations, this unique book uncovers the political history of Canadian Jewry since its beginning during the 1700s. Building on the premise that Jews, since time immemorial, have written down their values and ideologies, this study effectively demonstrates how these writings record the principles and values that motivated a community