The General Prosecutor has issued a decision that the Shabbat
Work and Rest Hours Law does not apply to stores at
kibbutzim. Rabbonim and public figures are concerned that the
move could lead to an unprecedented breach.
Legal discussions surrounding the issue of opening kibbutz
stores on Shabbos Kodesh began a decade ago when charges were
pressed against Kibbutz Tzor'a and six of its members for
operating a retail store on Shabbos. The kibbutz claimed that
the law does not apply to joint associations, noting that
kibbutz members operate the store themselves.
The State appealed to the National Labor Court, which upheld
the appeal, but Kibbutz Tzor'a took the case to the High
Court.
Last week the State told the High Court that after
reevaluating the question it decided that the Work and Rest
Hours Law does not apply to corporations because the law
refers to rest for the individual based on his religion, and
a corporation does not have a religion. The State then asked
to revoke the National Labor Court rule, though it was in the
State's favor, and to drop the charges.
The National Labor Court acceded to the State's request,
upholding the claim that the law does not apply to joint
associations.
