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NEWS
Haifa Mall Opens on Shabbos
By Y. Ariel
The Haifa Mall opened for business on Shabbos despite various attempts by chareidi representatives to prevent the new breach, which is liable to set a precedent. UTJ's Haifa representative, Councilman Rabbi Chaim Williger, said that the move upsets the status quo and as such he contacted Mayor Yonah Yahav, asking him to dispatch inspectors and issue fines to enforce the city ordinances.
Recently the mall management gave notice that 100 stores would open on Shabbos. In practice a much smaller number opened their doors for business. In recent weeks some store owners have asked local rabbonim and chareidi representatives to halt the move. Though not observant, they wanted to uphold the day of rest. Some noted that based on past experience they have not seen blessing in the money earned on Shabbos.
Their objections were passed on to the mall director, who claimed that he was not obligating any store to open, though obviously opening a portion of the stores induces others to follow suit. The chareidi public is now considering whether to publicize a list of which stores open on Shabbos and which remain closed. Other malls have tried opening on Shabbos in the past, but quickly closed after finding that the move was not worthwhile economically.
The chareidi public is wondering how such a serious breach of the walls of Shabbos and a violation of the Work and Rest Hours Law could take place at a time when a Shas minister heads the Trade, Industry and Employment Ministry.
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