Rabbi Ordered To Stop Home Prayer
Attorney Plans To Fight Decision
POSTED: Wednesday, March 20, 2002
UPDATED: 10:23 am EST March 21,
2002
ORLANDO, Fla. -- An Orange County rabbi faces fines of up to $50 a day if he continues to hold prayer gatherings inside his home, according to Local 6 News.
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.
Copyright 2007 by Internet Broadcasting Systems and Local6.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Previous Stories:
- February 5, 2002: Rabbi Told Home Prayer Violates Ordinance
- February 5, 2002: Home Prayer Violates Ordinance
- August 2, 2001: Rabbi Will Continue Home Prayer Despite Ordinance
- June 24, 2001: Rabbi's Neighbors Receive Anti-Semitic Fliers
Copyright 2007 by Internet Broadcasting Systems and Local6.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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