Knesset law toughens criteria for allowing work on Shabbat
Israeli parliament backs bill that would require Israeli officials to “consider Jewish tradition” when issuing permits for work on the sabbath
The Knesset approved a bill, backed by Charedi lawmakers, that would require Israeli officials to “consider Jewish tradition” when issuing permits for work on Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath.
Under the current law, work can only take place on Shabbat if the Labour Minister determines that not performing the work would “harm national defence, physical security or property, or greatly damage the economy.”
Under the law passed Tuesday, the minister, currently Haim Katz of the Likud Party, would also have to consider Jewish factors such as the effect on workers, whether the work could successfully take place on a different day and the effect of violating Shabbat in the public sphere.
The law passed early Tuesday morning on second and third reading as part of a marathon Knesset session. It was a government-sponsored version of a bill originally proposed by Charedi lawmaker Moshe Gafni of the United Torah Judaism Party.
The new law was passed a month after Charedi Health Minister Yaakov Litzman resigned his post over railway infrastructure work that took place on Shabbat. The Charedi parties have been agitating against railway work on the Sabbath for more than a year.
A bill that would give charge the interior minister with deciding whether mini-markets outside of Tel Aviv can stay open on Shabbat also is currently moving through the Knesset.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
