The Jewish Council of Public Affairs is upset that Nevada’s caucuses on Sat. Jan. 19, at 9 and 11:30 a.m., are scheduled right in the middle or morning religious services for observant Jews.

This means, according to JCPA blogger, Melissa Boteach, that Jews will have to decide between exercising their voting rights and participating in religious rites.

Says Boteach: “Nevada has one of the fastest growing Jewish populations in the country, and its 65,000-80,000 Jewish community members are expected to have a disproportionate impact on the results. I do not know how many of these Jews are observant enough to be effectively barred from participating in the caucus. I do not know how many of these Jews will be pushed into the uncomfortable position of choosing between attending synagogue and participating in a cherished American civic tradition. I DO know that it is highly unlikely that the state’s political parties would choose to hold these caucuses on a Sunday morning during church services.

This is especially ironic in a year where candidates in both parties have touted their religious credentials and spoken openly about the importance of their own faith as well as respecting people of faith.”

Read more here.

h/t: Faith in Public Life