A 13-Month Calendar of 28 Days Each? We nearly adopted it.
After a Vigorous International Debate, the League of Nations Jettisoned the Idea—the 'Battle of the Sabbath' had been won by the Jewish Community.
Time for Change and Change of Time
In the aftermath of the First World War, the League of Nations convened a summit with the intention of forging greater international cohesion, one aspect of which was the consideration of a unified calendar. A bold proposal was tabled: a new calendar of 13 equal months, each consisting of 28 days, poised to redefine our measurement of the year. This sparked a contentious debate that delved into the delicate balance between upholding religious traditions and streamlining commercial practices – a historic contention that would be dubbed the "Battle for the Sabbath."
Calendar Creators: From Julius Caesar to Pope Gregory
Amidst this discussion stood the Gregorian Calendar, instituted by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, a testament to the enduring legacy of temporal structure that has punctuated human life for centuries. This calendar itself was a refinement of the Julian Calendar, established by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE, which had served as the widespread standard until the Gregorian reform corrected its inaccuracies. Together, these systems of chronology demonstrate the evolution of our quest to harmonize with the rhythms of the cosmos.
The Push for a Universal Calendar
The Gregorian calendar's dominion was challenged shortly after the world began to universally embrace it. With new nations adopting this system, the League of Nations eyed an overhaul. In 1923, a special committee was formed to entertain proposals for calendar reform, giving rise to the International Fixed Calendar (IFC) plan, a uniform timekeeping system that promised to standardize commerce and simplify the way we mark the passing days.
Business vs. Religion: The Heart of the Dispute
Amidst the proponents of the IFC was Kodak founder George Eastman, who championed the new calendar for its potential to streamline business operations. On the flip side, Jewish leaders foresaw a significant threat to religious observance, particularly the Sabbath, which would lose its consistent weekly cycle due to the addition of an extra day.
The proposed IFC became a polarizing issue. Jewish communities around the globe were particularly vocal, fearing the erosion of their time-honored traditions. Chief Rabbi of England Joseph Hertz led the charge, emphasizing the perils of tinkering with a calendar that religious adherence had aligned with for centuries.
Arthur I. LeVine: A Defender of Tradition
Into this charged debate stepped Arthur I. LeVine, a proud Jewish businessman, known for his robust network and leadership in various Jewish organizations. With the future of the calendar and, by extension, the observance of the Sabbath at stake, LeVine presented a case before the League of Nations that highlighted the practical chaos the new calendar would introduce, not just for Jews but for international contracts, insurance premiums, and the litany of legal agreements tied to dates on the Gregorian calendar.
The Turning Tide at the Geneva Conference
The testimonies of Rabbi Hertz and Arthur LeVine marked a turning point at the Geneva Conference in 1931. While the resistance was initially viewed as a minor religious qualm, it soon became evident that the implications were far-reaching, impacting various sectors and other religious communities, including the Seventh Day Adventists.
The pragmatic arguments against the IFC resonated with the delegates, and the opposition grew stronger. Nation by nation, objections were raised – each with its own cultural and religious imperatives – which slowly dismantled the consensus around the IFC.
The Legacy of a Battle Fought
Despite continued efforts to push the IFC, the consensus necessary for its adoption disintegrated. The attempt to create a universally acceptable calendar had instead illuminated the diverse and conflicting priorities of a world not quite ready for such homogenization.
Years later, a testament to the struggle was found in an inscription by Rabbi Hertz in a family heirloom, recognizing Arthur LeVine's efforts in defending a tradition central to Jewish identity. The "Battle for the Sabbath" became a testament to the complexities of international diplomacy and the deep-seated significance of the calendar in both civil and religious life.
