Shabbat

Aryeh Deri admits new Shabbat law will not be enforced

'I cannot and do not intend to enforce this legislation,' Interior Minister says after Supermarket Law passes by one-vote margin.

'Supermarket Law' passes - by just one vote

Bill pushed by haredi parties permitting Interior Minister to nullify local bylaws which allow stores to open on Shabbat passes.

'Why not have a dialogue about Shabbat?'

MK Aliza Lavie argues that Supermarket Law will only cause more Shabbat desecration, urges dialogue.

City inspectors put Shabbat-violating stores on notice

Ashdod city inspectors warn store store owners in Ashdod that they can expect fines if they continue operating on Shabbat.

Haredim desert El Al flight over concerns of Shabbat desecration

Haredim disembark after learning El Al flight may arrive in Israel after the start of Shabbat. Weather, not El Al, at fault.

'Deri is a suicide bomber destroying the secular lifestyle'

Haaretz publisher defends cartoon portraying haredi minister as a suicide bomber.

Bill limiting Shabbat work approved

Knesset passes in second, third readings bill stipulating that Jewish tradition will be considered before granting work permits for Shabbat.

Cities scramble to pass legislation to allow Shabbat desecration

Cities across Israel are scrambling to pass legislation that will open businesses on Shabbat before the Supermarket Law passes.

Bennett backs Shabbat compromise

'I'm against religious coercion but I want to retain Israel's Jewish character.'

Arabs won't vote for haredi Shabbat bill

Head of Arab Joint List party withdraws support for bill that would close food stores on Shabbat.

'Shabbat cannot become just another shopping day'

Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Liberman clash at coalition meeting over the Supermarket Law. 'Herzl didn't keep Shabbat.'

End to coalition crisis? PM strikes deal with haredi parties

'Status quo' on religion and state to be formally adopted as law, compromises hammered out regarding businesses, soccer games on Sabbath.

'Shabbat is important to us - but so is transportation'

Prime Minister praises Health Minister Litzman, following his resignation from gov't over Shabbat rail line work. 'A shame he resigned.'

All-time high:

35,000 Jews spend Shabbat in Hevron

Kiryat Arba, Hevron streets fill with caravans and tents as Jews from Israel and the Diaspora gather for Shabbat.

Rabbinate responds to court:

'A slippery slope towards harming Shabbat throughout the state'

Chief Rabbinate says Shabbat, one of the most important issues in Judaism, cannot be ruled upon by Supreme Court.

Talking about 'us and them' is dangerous

Yesh Atid Chairman says government encourages division of 'us and them,' Israelis must speak candidly about the kind of Shabbat they want.

Shas MK:

'We will not allow Israel to be a 24/7 state'

MK Yoav Ben Tzur blasts Supreme Court for ruling that supermarkets in Tel Aviv can open on Shabbat.

Religious Justices: 'Shabbat is queen'

Religious Supreme Court justices oppose Tel Aviv supermarket ruling. 'Shabbat is the concept around which everyone can unite.'

'Supreme Court's decision is anti-religious'

Health Minister slams Chief Justice's final ruling, allowing businesses to open on Shabbat. 'Rights of thousands of workers trampled.'

Supreme Court confirms Shabbat desecration in Tel Aviv

In her final ruling as Chief Justice, Miriam Naor rejects petition against the opening of Tel Aviv businesses on the Sabbath.

Watch new rendition of 'Shabbat Hayom'

Yair Peled single juxtaposes new melody for the famous song about Shabbat with modern animation.

Over a million Jews worldwide gear up for 'Shabbat Project'

Grassroots movement transcends divides to bring Jews across the world to keep a single Shabbat together.

Spate of anti-Semitic attacks hits Crown Heights

Woman attacked Jewish girls in Crown Heights after finding out they were Jewish. Assault comes among recent spate of anti-Semitic attacks.

Why did 'kosher' Burger Ranch remain open over Sukkot?

Chief Rabbinate explains why Ben Gurion Airport branch of popular fast food store allowed to remain open on holidays and Shabbat.

Missouri school district votes to change Saturday graduations

Following complaints by Jewish students' families, district reschedules graduation ceremonies to avoid Shabbat, Shavuot.

Sderot municipality fines over 'Shabbat sirens'

Municipal supervisor fines Sderot resident for playing Shabbat songs and 'causing a disturbance.'

Shas MKs call for end to Shabbat soccer matches

Players and coaches from Israeli soccer leagues meet Shas MKs to discuss end of holding games on Shabbat against players' will.

Vizhnitzer Rebbe: Law of Sabbath same as that of Yom Kippur

In third Shabbat meal, Vizhnitzer Rebbe asks followers to strengthen Sabbath observance to positively influence general population.

Scandal: Government requires work on Shabbat

'Bennett-Gafni-Deri government will require soccer players to work on Shabbat.'

'Jews have the right to live anywhere in the country'

Deputy Defense Minister says PA law mandating death penalty for Arabs who sell land or homes to Jews must be fought,

Soccer on Shabbat? 'Woe unto us'

Sephardi Chief Rabbi laments intention to officially sanction soccer games on the Sabbath.

New York Supreme Court holds by Rabbeinu Tam's time?

Court rules that defendants illegally served because it was still Shabbat - according to Rabbeinu Tam.

Haredi MK: No more Shabbat overtime pay

MK Yisrael Eichler wants to pass a law banning the state from paying more money to those that work on Shabbat.

'They're making a mockery of you and your Shabbat'

Israeli Arab documents rail work on Shabbat, in violation of minister's pledge to haredi MKs.

Haredi party unveils plan for 'kosher' electricity on Shabbat

United Torah Judaism party submits proposal to use electricity on Shabbat without any Jewish labor.

'A perfect example of secular coercion'

Knesset committee discusses hotels' insistence on evacuating Shabbat-observant guests from their rooms before Shabbat ends.

Jewish hairdresser wins suit after working on Shabbat

Jewish boss had demanded Jewish employee not come into work on Shabbat despite having store open.

Haredim score victory: Rail work cancelled for coming Shabbat

PM, Infrastructure Minister meet with haredi MKs, agree to preserve status quo on Shabbat.

Yesh Atid pushes for public transportation on Shabbat

Ministerial Committee on Legislation to discuss opposition bill to permit public transportation on Shabbat.

Liberman: We are open to any proposal from Trump Administration

Defense Minister eulogizes Rabbi Benny Elon, says Israel ready to accept any peace plan from the Trump Administration.

Deri to receive authority to enforce Sabbath laws

Interior Minister granted authority to enforce the Hours of Work and Rest Law amid anger over allowance of Sabbath desecration in Tel Aviv.

MK Maklev: 'Why did the Supreme Court hurry to rule on Shabbat?'

MK Uri Maklev(UTJ) says that haredi parties are working to cancel by-laws allowing Shabbat commerce and demand a new Supreme Court hearing.

Deri demands authority on Shabbat issue at Supreme Court hearing

Haredi ministers will meet Tuesday with Tourism Minister Levin and demand the right to enforce Shabbat laws and legislation of status quo.

Haredim resign from Tel Aviv municipal coalition

Following High Court decision to open supermarkets on Shabbat, haredi reps. in TA say they will no longer participate in mayor's coalition.

Atlantic City Shabbat 'a lighthouse of Judaism'

Arutz Sheva holds joint Shabbat with Chabad of Atlantic City's Stockton University.

'If you don't approve rabbis' demand, we won't support budget'

Haredi party to prevent Jerusalem city budget from passing unless restaurants that open on Shabbat are banned from placing tables outside.

'Shabbat desecration is funded by the municipality'

Haredi and Religious Zionist rabbis call on Jerusalem municipality not to fund Shabbat-desecrating activities.

Brazil changes Sabbath-desecrating test

Brazil’s national high school moves exam from Shabbat after Jewish lobbying.

Haredi MK: Super-Pharm violates Sabbath

Health Minister Litzman claims Israeli pharmacy chain abuses gov't approval to sell medicines on Saturday, says he's turned to lawyers.

Cabinet Minister: Are we Iran?

Heated debate in Cabinet allowing soccer teams to continue to play on the Sabbath. Religious players may have to violate Sabbath or sit out.

Why are there no security checks at Western Wall on Shabbat?

Channel 2 investigation reveals people posing as haredim could bring weapons, explosive devices into Western Wall on Shabbat.

Event at 'The Monster' cancelled after haredi protests

Event in Jerusalem's Monster Park would have violated the Sabbath.

Cabinet to authorize Deri on Shabbat supermarket law

The cabinet is expected to authorize Interior Minister Aryeh Deri to decide the issue of opening supermarkets on Shabbat and holidays.

Haredi MK: Moving US Embassy is superfluous

Finance Committee Head says Israel doesn't need world to agree Jerusalem is important, threatens to vote against Maaleh Adumim annexation.

Meretz leader: Be prepared for civil uprising over Sabbath

Meretz Chairwoman says 'racist' haredi parties pushing secular population too far by refusing to allow stores to open on the Sabbath.

Jewish Home Minister: Fewer permits to work on Shabbat

Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel meets with Chief Rabbinate Council, calls on other ministers to cut number of permits to work on Shabbat.

Smotrich to PM: Shabbat commerce violates coalition agreement

MK Betzalel Smotrich(Jewish Home) tells PM that government approval of Shabbat commerce would violate coalition agreement.

Tzohar rabbis: Prohibit stores from opening on Shabbat

Tzohar rabbinic organization called on government to prohibit stores opening on Shabbat as 'it is central component of Israel's identity.'

Managerial committee decides: Yes to business on Shabbat

Government managerial committee recommends Tel Aviv allow partial Shabbat trade and store operation in its jurisdiction

Bill barring anti-Shabbat business discrimination approved

Knesset committee approves measure barring discrimination against Shabbat-observant businesses.