TOW #7 “Israel’s Duel on The Sun” by Shmuel Rosner

Did you know the government could control time? In “Israel’s Duel on The Sun” by Shmuel Rosner, Rosner takes a stance on the conflict revolving daylights savings time in Israel. He establishes his credibility and provides a counterargument to show his support for the secular ends of politics, through the daylights savings issue.

To prove that he has valid arguments Rosner demonstrates his knowledge and shows how the conflict pertains to his life. As the daylights savings time dispute roots in religion, Rosner describes, “As Yom Kippur was drawing to a close… we were chanting the final verses. I was peeking at my watch. It was 7:25 p.m., I was thirsty and hungry, and it seemed late.” He uses this to prove that he is a passionate Jew even though he disagrees with the orthodox views. He gains acceptance by many facets of Israeli society by explaining this circumstance. By addressing the religious aspect to the conflict Rosner also provides facts against the orthodox views.

Throughout his essay Rosner supplies a counterargument to disprove the importance of disregarding the daylights savings time to help a small percentage of the population, “Because of D.S.T. [daylights savings time], some people might have difficulty completing their prayers and getting to work on time. But few Israelis pray every morning.” Before the he allows the orthodox to find fault in his argument Rosner supports his, with backing against theirs. He writes proactively to help persuade people to want daylights savings time.

In his entire argument Rosner says more than just his opinion on the daylights savings time strife, he creates a commentary against the orthodox power in the Israeli government. “And that the country’s majority — which often bickers about ultra-Orthodox power and influence — can win the battles they choose, and, in this case, unchain themselves from the forces of darkness.” Rosner’s purpose becomes easily read as the essay develops. His use of religion to establish his credibility and counterargument allow him to comment on a greater issue.