menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Rebuke thy neighbor

46 0
yesterday

There is what to say against the opening on Shabbat of a coffee shop in the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem. First, there is a municipal law forbidding it. If we lived in a law-governed country the coffee shop would not be able to be open on Shabbat.

Secondly, a significant proportion of the population of Nachlaot is Orthodox. There are more fitting neighborhoods for a Shabbat coffee shop in Jerusalem, if it must be. In Leviticus 19:17 we are told:  “You shall surely rebuke your neighbor.” This is a codified law which requires one to rebuke another Jew if the latter has violated or is violating a requirement of the religion. You must point out to them their unfavorable behavior and rebuke them for it. Now, a group of very pious Jews has for six consecutive shabbatot conducted loud demonstrations against the coffee shop being open on shabbat. (Based on video recordings of the events.) They,........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)