The Knesset Interior Committee began deliberations today on legislation that recently passed its first reading in the Knesset, calling for the placement of mezuzot on the doorposts of every new public building. A mezuzah (singular for mezuzot) is a small parchment on which is written two Torah passages - Shma and V'Hayah Im Shamoa - and placed on the side of the door. Contrary to a report in Ynet entitled, "How Much Will the Mezuzot Law Cost Us?", which emphasizes that the law could cost 230 million shekels if applied to all buildings in Israel, the proposal specifically states its application only to buildings that are not yet built.
The law does not apply to public buildings in towns with mostly non-Jewish populations.
The proposal was sponsored by United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Litzman. Interior Committee member MK Yuri Stern (National Union) said that Jewish symbols and signs must be strengthened in Israeli society. "We have become a state that derides its national symbols," he said. MKs of the Shinui party expressed opposition to the proposed law.
In other religious-sector news, the cabinet yesterday made it easier for yeshivot to receive government funding. According to the new regulations, a yeshivah (seminary) may receive government funding with a minimum of 40 students, as compared to the current minimum of 60. As for kollelim (Torah study groups for married men), the new minimum number will be 15, instead of the current 40. The new regulations essentially restore the situation to the way it was approximately a year ago.
The law does not apply to public buildings in towns with mostly non-Jewish populations.
The proposal was sponsored by United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Litzman. Interior Committee member MK Yuri Stern (National Union) said that Jewish symbols and signs must be strengthened in Israeli society. "We have become a state that derides its national symbols," he said. MKs of the Shinui party expressed opposition to the proposed law.
In other religious-sector news, the cabinet yesterday made it easier for yeshivot to receive government funding. According to the new regulations, a yeshivah (seminary) may receive government funding with a minimum of 40 students, as compared to the current minimum of 60. As for kollelim (Torah study groups for married men), the new minimum number will be 15, instead of the current 40. The new regulations essentially restore the situation to the way it was approximately a year ago.