Quebec Jewish Hockey Player Surrenders Religious Observance To Game Schedules

In the Canadian provice of Quebec this week, just as the government's Consultation Commission on Accommodation Practices Related to Cultural Differences began hearings, Orthodox Jewish hockey player Benjamin Rubin announced that he had agreed to somewhat less accommodation as he begins to play for the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Today's Canadian Jewish News reports that Rubin, who has NHL ambitions, played for the Quebec (City) Ramparts last year under an arrangement that excused him from all games on the Jewish Sabbath, as well as Jewish holidays. That arrangement ultimately did not work out well. The Olympiques schedule for this year has over half of the team's game slotted for Friday night or Saturday. Rubin has agreed that he will play in these and will only take off for major Jewish holidays. Rubin's father said that the family had consulted several "esteemed" Orthodox rabbis. While none gave a formal ruling, most did not consider playing hockey a violation of the Sabbath if it is not for pay. Travel for the games however has posed the greater problem, as the Olympiques insists that Rubin travel with the rest of the team.