The board of directors of the Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Greater Baltimore is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a controversial proposal to begin opening the Jewish Community Center in Owings Mills on the Jewish sabbath.

The proposal by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore, which operates facilities in Owings Mills and Park Heights, has revealed deep divisions within the diverse local Jewish community.

The JCC says the move would help meet the needs of the largely nonobservant community in Owings Mills.

But Orthodox Jews, who refrain from driving, operating electrical equipment and other activities on the day known as Shabbos, say it would violate Jewish law. Thousands of Orthodox Jews rallied in Park Heights last week in support of Shabbos.

The board of the Associated, which owns the property, will meet at noon behind closed doors. We’ll post results and reactions here, as soon as we get them.

(Photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor/The Baltimore Sun)