Posted on 03/21/2002 3:18:59 AM PST by chance33_98
The Orange County Code Enforcement Board ruled Wednesday that Rabbi Yosef Konikov's prayer gatherings are in violation of a county code, according to Local 6 News.
Konikov was served with a code violation last March after officials discovered that he was leading ten to 20 Central Florida families in prayer and song.
Under the current zoning law, operating a synagogue or any function related to synagogue or church services is not a permitted use in residential zoned area, Local 6 News reported.
However, Konikov believed the ordinance violated his religious rights. His attorney, John Stemberger wanted the board to re-write the law to allow all groups to meet and pray in their homes.
"All we wanted to do is share my Saturday meals with friends," Konikov said. "All we wanted is to be allowed to practice our sacred traditions in a peaceful manner. I hope Orange County will grant us the freedoms of the Constitution. The freedom to worship, freedom to assemble and the freedom of speech.
Konikov must comply with the board's decision by May 19 or face fines.
Konikov's attorney John Stemberger said that he will file a restraining order to allow the gathering to continue beyond the 60 days and to stop any fines.
Please note: Orthodox Jews are forbidden to travel on the Sabbath. They are permitted only to walk a short distance. So this zoning law essentially makes it impossible for Orthodox Jews to live or to wosrhip in this area.
It also would forbid Christian prayer groups to meet in home for bible study, and for prayer. But at least Christians could meet elsewhere. Orthodox Jews could not.
Excellent points.
This is pretty scary because our churches always have get togethers at someone's home for singing, prayers and eating.
In other words Orthodox law commands that they gather nearby to pray.
Since satisfying the Muslim command to pray at certain times resulted in setting aside specific prayer rooms in community schools, why shouldn't a few community ordinances be bent to satisfy an Orthodox command, too?
They probably also have ordinances concerning overnight camping on the streets. Ostensibly written for the purpose of separating permanent and temporary residential activities, their real purpose was to keep out the Gypsies.
Why am I not surprised this part of California has such laws?
I smell a Lawsuit! Unless I am mistaken it is a pretty common practice for Jewish people to hold prayer meetings/religious services in private homes of their members. I think this dates back to the time of the exile. Sounds like the State is trying to interfere with the practice of religion. Like maybe separation of Church and State is being violated here?
The laws put in place by a board or trust or governmental agency or entity DO NOT get to run over your rights under the constitution. As I understand titles and dees, unless you agree on your title or deed to land as to the specific use of it it is yours to do with as you please. This is why I detets and do not obey PERMITS for anything on my property. To say that I have to have a permit to do or accomplish ANY thing on my property is DEPRIVATION of my right to do with my property as I see fit. This includes any activity on it as well.
There are many who then tell me that it is a protection for me and my neighbors. I laugh at them. I am to be responsible. Period dot. the law on that is clear. If I build something and it causes harm, I am in trouble for it and responsible for it. I do not need to be told that I may not do it because it MAY harm someone. That is deprivation of my right to my property unless I pay their blackmail fee. I put up a shed I have to both seek permission and pay their blackmail fee. I will not. I will also have over however many I please as long as I can safely fit them on my property for what ever reason I wish as long as I do no harm to others or raise a ruckus.
If this Rabbi bends to their wishes, it is nothing more than playing into the hands of the love-to-control-your-life-freaks.
Agreed. This law is more onerous on the Orthodox Jews since they do not drive on the Sabbath. I seem to recall something being carved in stone about keeping the Sabbath holy. The argument to be made would consist of your own as well as the disproportionate impact on this particular group, restriction of free exercise of religion, and absence of less burdensome alternatives, compelling government interest or even a rational basis for this law.
No doubt some neighbor(s) is forcing the government to crack down.
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