All articles tagged with #shabbat
Gregory Bovino, a demoted border patrol commander tied to the Trump-era immigration crackdown, allegedly mocked Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen’s Jewish faith and Shabbat during a January call; the incident coincided with Bovino’s reassignment and replaced by Tom Homan as Minneapolis operations were reevaluated.
The Israeli cabinet failed to reach a decision on Hamas's ceasefire demands due to a delayed meeting that ended early because of Shabbat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed the small cabinet's decision, insisting it be presented to the general cabinet, despite objections from other members. The general cabinet meeting was adjourned without a decision, and is expected to reconvene to finalize the discussion. The demands, presented by Hamas via Qatari mediators, include a proposed ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The introduction of self-driving cars, or robotaxis, in San Francisco has sparked a debate among local rabbis about their compatibility with Shabbat observance. While some see the potential for these autonomous vehicles to offer mobility options for observant Jews who traditionally refrain from driving on Shabbat, others raise concerns about the technology's adherence to Jewish law. Issues such as the car's reaction to a passenger's weight or position, the need for passenger activation, and the overall impact on the spirit of Shabbat are among the considerations. Ultimately, the rabbis emphasize the importance of preserving the essence of Shabbat and caution against using technology simply because it is possible.
King Charles' coronation will include representatives of various faiths, including Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Bahai, and Zoroastrian communities. The ceremony falls on Shabbat, but the Chief Rabbi has been invited to sleep at Clarence House to avoid using electricity. Jewish tailoring company Kashket & Partners will supply some of the clothing worn by the king and soldiers, and the anointing oil used in the ceremony has its roots in the anointing of high priests in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal will represent Israel at the coronation of King Charles III in London on Saturday. They will stay near Westminster Abbey so that they can walk to the ceremony without violating Shabbat. Britain’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and his wife, Valerie, will stay at Clarence House, the residence of King Charles III, the night before the coronation, to allow them to attend the ceremony that will also see the queen consort, Camilla, crowned. The coronation will include religious leaders representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh traditions, and female bishops for the first time.
King Charles has been praised for his inclusive gesture of inviting Britain's Chief Rabbi and his wife to stay with him and Queen Consort Camilla the night before his coronation, so that the Rabbi can still attend while observing Shabbat. This is not the first time Charles has shown consideration for other people's religious needs, having previously rescheduled a meeting with world leaders so the Chief Rabbi could attend.