Following Winter Time and Traffic Jams: Bnei Brak Rabbis Issue New Guidelines Ahead of Shabbat

In depth

The rabbis of Bnei Brak published a guidance letter for residents and business owners ahead of the onset of Shabbat, against the backdrop of winter time and traffic jams. According to Kikar HaShabbat, the letter states that people must leave on time to prevent the risk of drivers desecrating Shabbat, and according to Arutz Sheva, the public is urged to reach their destination two hours before candle lighting. According to Behadrei Haredim, the letter states that those who leave late on Friday are considered akin to acting deliberately, even if unintentionally.

According to Behadrei Haredim, the letter was signed by Rabbi Shmuel Rozenbalt, Rabbi M. Ben Shimon and Rabbi Ch. A. Landa. According to Kikar HaShabbat, in parallel the municipality is preparing with public transport companies to ensure journeys end on time. Arutz Sheva and Behadrei Haredim report that business owners are asked to close their shops earlier.