The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, but Orthodox Jewish groups oppose it because later winter sunrises—often after 8 or even 9 a.m.—conflict with their requirement to pray Shacharit in a minyan before work or school. Rabbi A.D. Motzen of Agudath Israel warns this would disrupt communal prayer schedules and daily routines, particularly in regions like South Bend and Detroit where sunrise could be as late as 9:13 a.m. for weeks each winter. While other groups—including medical professionals and school advocates—also raise concerns about health and safety, Orthodox Jews are uniquely affected due to strict halachic timing for morning prayers.
Original Article Source Link:
https://www.npr.org/2026/07/16/g-s1-133961/why-orthodox-jews-are-opposing-the-new-daylight-saving-bill-in-congress